Buzzing Bites, Aggie Athletes
On Aug. 20, Utah State University Athletics announced its 2024-25 partnership with Beehive Meals, a Utah-based company founded in late 2019 that specializes in freezer meals that cook in slow cookers. This partnership will provide student-athletes with $25,000 in freezer meals, along with educational resources and name, image and likeness licensing agreements.
In a press release, the athletic department wrote, “These freezer meal donations are part of a specially-designed meal prep program that has been tailored to support the unique nutritional needs of USU’s athletic department. Beehive Meals has worked closely with university nutritionists to ensure the meal prep program aligns with the specific dietary requirements of the student-athletes.”
According to Bobby Nash, deputy athletic director over external engagement, this collaboration is designed with more than meals in mind. He shared that this program will provide resources and training about meal prepping, ways to include more nutrients in their diet and basic kitchen skills that athletes will utilize far beyond USU.
Nash also added that Beehive really fits with the nutritional model USU already has in place. Director of sports nutrition Natalie Norris was included in this process, and Nash said she does a fantastic job with nutrition for the student-athletes and this partnership will be “an additive to the program.”
“As soon as Beehive reached out, we included our nutritionist,” Nash said. “We do a great job in nutrition. The goal was to fill the gaps in our program.”
Each individual coaching team will determine how the meals are distributed for athletes, according to Nash.
“We’re treating every team differently,” Nash said. “Every team is going to utilize it to fill their needs.”
One team leader expressed excitement about the partnership. Kristin White, head coach of the USU gymnastics team, said she was thrilled with the partnership and had personal experience with the company. When she gave birth to twins a while back, a friend ordered Beehive Meals for her family to help out. She then said she loved the meals so much they’ve become a dinnertime staple.
“I want to thank Beehive,” White said. “It’s a tremendous company. I haven’t been disappointed by any of the meals I’ve tried.”
She also expressed her enthusiasm for her gymnasts’ use of these meals. She said they are convenient and perfect for when they have a long day of practice and school and are too exhausted to plan and cook a healthy meal. She enjoyed the taste and ease of preparation and believes this will be fantastic for all student-athletes.
Beehive will also have NIL deals with some Aggie athletes, though those deals are still in the early stages of planning.
Overall, the athletic department shared their excitement for this partnership.
“There’s value, really, for everybody,” Nash said.