California dairy producers announce plans to partner with state's three NFL teams to grant up to $200,000 to California schools that join nationwide nutrition and physical activity program
All three of California's National Football League (NFL) teams are on the field this year for Fuel Up to Play 60 (FUTP 60), a national in-school nutrition and physical activity program. FUTP 60 is activated in California by the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), which represents the state's more than 1,500 California dairy families.
Raiders quarterback, Derek Carr, and San Diego Chargers defensive end, Kendall Reyes, joined the CMAB and California dairy farmers Arlene VanderEyk and Lucy Areias February 11th at the World Ag Expo in Tulare, to announce plans to expand its NFL partnerships in support of California youth in grades K-12 by partnering with the state's three NFL teams to promote FUTP 60 programs, resources, events and grant money aimed at helping them live healthier. Last year's program awarded 17 schools and school districts across the state with grants totaling $100,000.
"Fuel Up to Play 60 can help kids make decisions that will positively impact their lives, making sure that they eat the right foods, including nutritious low-fat dairy foods, and be active every day," said Jennifer Giambroni, Director of Communications for the CMAB. "We plan to make an even bigger impact in schools this year by tapping into the excitement of the NFL to get students and schools motivated to make sustainable changes."
Qualifying California schools participating in FUTP 60 are eligible for up to $4,000 for the 2015-2016 school year to support student wellness programs. The competitive program is designed to support schools that implement plays from the Fuel Up to Play 60 Playbook. Each play advocates for a healthy school community and supports students in achieving a lifestyle that incorporates positive nutrition and physical activity, such as creating a healthy breakfast program or coordinating a 100 Mile Club, which challenges students to walk, jog or run 100 miles at school in a single school year to improve their health and wellbeing.
Participating California schools, teachers, students and districts also have opportunities to win prizes including tickets to a major division football game, autographed football jerseys and other FUTP 60 gear.
Founded in 2009 by the National Dairy Council and the National Football League, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (and supported here by California dairy farm families), FUTP 60 was developed to help support today's youth in living healthier lives. The free program encourages K-12 students to consume lowfat and fatfree dairy products, fruits, vegetables, lean meats and whole grains while achieving at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. The nation's largest in-school wellness program, FUTP 60 encompasses more than 2 million students in more than 3,000 schools in California (about one-fourth of the state's schools), and is active in nearly 73,000 schools nationwide.
For more information about Fuel Up to Play 60, please visit FuelUpToPlay60.com.
About the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB)The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), an instrumentality of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, is funded by the state's more than 1,500 dairy families. With headquarters in South San Francisco and Modesto, the CMAB is one of the largest commodity boards in the United States. The CMAB executes advertising, public relations, research and retail and foodservice promotional programs on behalf of California dairy products, including Real California Milk and Real California Cheese. For more information and to connect with the CMAB through social media, visit RealCaliforniaMilk.com, like on Facebook, watch videos on YouTube, follow on Twitter and Instagram, and pin on Pinterest.
About Fuel Up to Play 60 Fuel Up to Play 60 is an in-school nutrition and physical activity program launched by National Football League (NFL) and National Dairy Council (NDC), which was founded by America's dairy farmers, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The program encourages youth to consume nutrient-rich foods (low-fat and fat-free dairy, fruits, vegetables and whole grains) and achieve at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. As a result of the program, last year 14 million students made better food choices by selecting nutritious options like low-fat and fat-free dairy products, fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Additionally, 14 million students are getting more physically active during the school day.
Fuel Up to Play 60 is designed to engage and empower youth to take action for their own health by implementing long-term, positive changes for themselves and their schools. Customizable and non-prescriptive program components are grounded in research with youth, including tools and resources, in-school promotional materials, a website and student contests. Fuel Up to Play 60 is further supported by several health and nutrition organizations: Action for Healthy Kids, American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Pediatrics, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Association/Foundation, National Hispanic Medical Association, National Medical Association and School Nutrition Association. Visit FuelUpToPlay60.com to learn more.
3.17.2015