ST. PAUL, Minn. – Midwest Dairy Council today named six school leaders as Program Advisors of the Year for their active leadership role in encouraging students to eat healthy, get active and make a difference as part of Fuel Up to Play 60. As advisors for this national in-school nutrition and physical activity program, they are the driving forces behind their school's involvement, which is now implemented in more than 70,000 schools nationwide.
The following leaders were selected as Program Advisors of the Year for the following states:
- Elonda Davidson – Stanley Elementary School in Stanley, N.D.
- Carri Flores – Wilbur Middle School in Wichita, Kan.
- Will Hogan – Ridge Family Center for Learning in Elk Grove Village, Ill.
- Linda Maly – St. John Nepomucene School in Weston, Neb.
- Nicole Osmundson – Robert Frost Elementary School in Sioux Falls, S.D.
- Terry Rex – Wings Park Elementary School in Oelwein, Iowa
“Program Advisors champion school wellness while empowering students to create a unique program experience in their school,” says Melissa Young, health and wellness director from Midwest Dairy Council. “Through the efforts of these dedicated Program Advisors, we’re seeing students taking control of their own health and work toward making their school environment healthier with their friends.”
In addition to engaging and empowering students to get involved in Fuel Up to Play 60, Program Advisors help their schools and students earn recognition, rewards and funding to support wellness initiatives in their schools. Any adult enrolled in Fuel Up to Play 60 can become a Program Advisor.
Launched by National Dairy Council, local dairy councils and the National Football League (NFL), in collaboration with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Fuel Up to Play 60 encourages youth to consume nutrient-rich foods, low-fat and fat-free dairy foods, fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and achieve at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. Multiple health organizations and several major corporations are also supporting Fuel Up to Play 60, now in its second year.
For more information on Fuel Up to Play 60 or to sign up for the 2011-2012 program visit www.FuelUpToPlay60.com or www.MidwestDairy.com.
###
Editor's Note:To schedule an interview with your local Fuel Up to Play 60 Program Advisor, contact Samantha Carter at 913-319-7233 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 913-319-7233 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or scarter@midwestdairy.com.
Midwest Dairy Council®, an affiliate of National Dairy Council, is the nutrition education division of Midwest Dairy Association. The Council is dedicated to dairy nutrition research and education through the investment of more than 11,000 dairy farm families across 10 Midwestern states, and is committed to child health and wellness through our collaborative program, Fuel Up to Play 60. For more information, visit www.midwestdairy.com. Follow us on Twitter and find us on Facebook at Midwest Dairy.
About Fuel Up to Play 60
Fuel Up to Play 60 is an in-school nutrition and physical activity program launched by the National Dairy Council (NDC) and NFL, with additional partnership support from United States 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 60 minutes of physical activity every 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 challenges. 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, American Dietetic Association, National Hispanic Medical Association, National Medical Association and School Nutrition Association. Visit www.FuelUpToPlay60.com to learn more. Media resources, including related video footage and photos are available at FuelUptoPlay60MediaResources.com.
About National Dairy Council
National Dairy Council® (NDC) is the nutrition research, education and communications arm of Dairy Management Inc™. On behalf of U.S. dairy farmers, NDC provides science-based nutrition information to, and in collaboration with, a variety of stakeholders committed to fostering a healthier society, including health professionals, educators, school nutrition directors, academia, industry, consumers and media. Established in 1915, NDC is dedicated to educating the public on the health benefits of consuming milk and milk products throughout a person's lifespan. For more information, visit www.NationalDairyCouncil.org.
About NFL PLAY 60
Designed to help tackle childhood obesity, NFL PLAY 60 brings together the NFL's long-standing commitment to health and fitness with partner organizations like the National Dairy Council. NFL PLAY 60 is also implemented locally, as part of the NFL's in-school, after-school and team-based programs. For more information, visit www.NFLRush.com.
Source: National Dairy Council