‘Hometown Grant’ supports nutrition and physical activities within schools
SAN DIEGO (October 7, 2014) – Research shows that physical activity, in combination with good nutrition, is essential to a healthy lifestyle.1 That is why today the San Diego Chargers in collaboration with the California Milk Advisory Board(CMAB), representing more than 1500 dairy families, are awarding the South Bay Union school district with a $10,000 ‘Hometown Grant’ to support healthy nutrition and physical activity programs in schools throughout the district.
“Studies show that active kids do better when it comes to academic performance, and when paired with better nutrition, it can lead to improved academic achievement,” said Jennifer Giambroni, Director of Communications for the CMAB. “California’s dairy farmers are proud to support schools and communities build stronger in-school nutrition and physical activity programs and we’re excited to be able to help the South Bay Union school district and its students.”
The ‘Hometown Grant’ program developed by Fuel Up to Play 60 and the NFL provides the organizations with the opportunity to identify deserving schools in their area and provide them with a $10,000 grant to help meet their health and wellness goals. Each of the 32 NFL Clubs, Fuel Up to Play 60 and local dairy representatives will provide grants throughout the country totaling a $320,000 investment in youth health and wellness.
“It’s a priority for the Chargers to support the youth of San Diego County,” said Chargers CEO A.G. Spanos. “Ensuring the students of South Bay Union school district learn how important it is to eat right, exercise and take care of their bodies, will give them the tools they need to choose wisely. These students are the potential future leaders of San Diego and we want to see them thrive.”
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 in more than 73,000 schools nationwide. As a result of the program, last year 14 million students ate better by adding nutritious foods like low-fat and fat-free milk and milk products, fruits, vegetables and whole grains to their meals. Additionally, 14 million are getting more physically active during the school day.
“We are honored to be presented with this grant and the opportunity to further strengthen our district’s wellness and physical activity programming for our more than 8,400 students,” said Dr. Katie McNamara, Superintendent of South Bay Union School District.
Representatives from the California Milk Advisory Board, along with Chargers players Nick Novak, Kendall Reyes, and Darrell Stuckey presented district representatives with the grant and helped kids in fun, physical activity drills at Oneonta Elementary School.
About the San Diego Chargers
The San Diego Chargers originated as the Los Angeles Chargers of the American Football League in 1960. The team relocated to San Diego in 1961 and captured the American Football League championship in 1963. It finished first in five of the 10 AFL seasons. Since joining the National Football League when the two leagues merged in 1970, the Chargers have won 11 AFC West division titles, including six titles in the last 10 seasons. Overall, the team has played in 28 playoff games. The Chargers were purchased by construction leader and real estate developer Alex G. Spanos in 1984 and has been under the guidance of Spanos’ eldest son Dean, the team’s Chairman of the Board-President, since 1994. That same season the team won the AFC Championship and played in Super Bowl XXIX. The Chargers are Southern California’s only NFL franchise and all Chargers games are annually the highest-rated television programming in San Diego. The Chargers play their home games at Qualcomm Stadium and the Spanos family, nationally renowned as one of San Diego’s and the NFL’s most philanthropic families, has invested millions of dollars in an effort to secure a new Super Bowl-quality stadium for San Diego.
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 at Facebook.com/RealCaliforniaMilk, view videos at YouTube.com/RealCaliforniaMilk, follow at Twitter.com/RealCalifMilk and Instagram.com/RealCalifMilk and pin at Pinterest.com/RealCalifMilk
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.
About South Bay Union School District
South Bay Union is the most southwesterly school district in the United States. The Pre-Kindergarten - 8 District serves a diverse population in Imperial Beach, San Ysidro, and south San Diego.