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Fuel Up To Play 60, American Dairy Association Mideast Grants Support Youth in Leading Nutrition and Physical Activities in Their School
Fuel Up to Play 60 and the American Dairy Association Mideast are showing their continued commitment to child health and wellness by awarding a $17,600 grant to the Avon Lake City Schools to support healthy nutrition and physical activity programs.
On behalf of local dairy farmers, the American Dairy Association Mideast has provided $1.4 million in grants funding in Ohio and West Virginia schools. The Fuel Up To Play 60 grant purpose is to help students and their schools implement healthy changes.
“It is critical that schools and communities work together to provide solutions to increase health and wellness initiatives in our school and community,” said Jamie Vanek, assistant principal of Learwood Middle School. “We believe that all youth deserve a chance for a healthy lifestyle and that is why it’s a priority for Avon Lake City Schools to support our students and we’re thankful to the Fuel Up to Play 60 program and America’s dairy farmers for helping us and our students achieve our health and wellness goals.”
Research demonstrates that good nutrition, including daily breakfast, and increased physical activity can lead to improved academic performance. However, studies show that more than 60 percent of students do not eat breakfast each day and only one in three kids are active every day, potentially leaving many at a disadvantage inside and outside of the classroom. From students and teachers, to parents and community members, everyone has a role to play in emphasizing the importance of physical activity and good nutrition in order to lead healthier lives.
“Ohio and West Virginia dairy farmers are proud to invest in their communities to advocate for and implement healthy changes in schools,” said Scott Higgins, president and CEO for the American Dairy Association Mideast. “Fuel Up to Play 60 is making a positive impact in schools across the country, including the more than 3,800 Fuel Up to Play 60 schools in Ohio and West Virginia. Together with our partners, America’s dairy farmers are taking action to help students and schools fuel greatness.”
Created in partnership by the National Football League and National Dairy Council, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Fuel Up to Play 60 is the nation’s largest in-school wellness program creating real transformational change reaching more than 73,000 schools nationwide since its launch in 2008.
For more information on the program and how you can get involved, visit: www.FuelUpToPlay60.com.
About the American Dairy Association Mideast
On behalf of Ohio and West Virginia dairy farm families, the American Dairy Association Mideast (ADA Mideast) provides science-based dairy nutrition information to, and in collaboration with, a variety of stakeholders committed to fostering a healthier society, including educators, school nutrition directors, health professionals, academia, consumers and media. ADA Mideast is an affiliate of the National Dairy Council, a leader in dairy nutrition research, education and communication since 1915. For more information about ADA Mideast, visit www.drink-milk.com.
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). 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. The program additionally 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 and are getting more physically active during the school day. 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.
About the Avon Lake City Schools
The mission of the Avon Lake City Schools, a district committed to personalized educational excellence, is to challenge all students and develop their individual goals through community partnerships, resources, and technologies which will produce responsible and compassionate citizens. We believe that all children have the desire and capacity to learn, each in a unique, individualized and sometimes special manner. We also believe that learning is best in a safe, supportive and nurturing environment marked by expectations, challenge, mutual respect and trust, risk-taking, connection to the real world, and personal responsibility. www.avonlakecityschools.org.
