SAN DIEGO (October 6, 2015) –Thirteen million students are eating healthier, 16 million students are being more active and 115 thousand adults are enrolled and empowering youth to lead with one national program – Fuel Up to Play 60[1].
Today the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), representing more than 1,400 California dairy families, and the San Diego Chargers are continuing the reach of this program by presenting the Chula Vista Elementary School District with a $10,000 ‘Hometown Grant’ to expand nutrition and physical activity programs in schools throughout the district.
“Research tells us that having a strong nutritional foundation and ample opportunity for physical activity supports academic performance. California dairy families are proud to partner with the San Diego Chargers to promote initiatives that empower kids to make a difference not only in their own lives but also the lives of fellow students,” said Jennifer Giambroni, Director of Communications for the CMAB.
Developed by Fuel Up to Play 60 and the NFL, the ‘Hometown Grant’ program provides teams and state/regional dairy organizations with the opportunity to identify deserving schools in their area and provide them with funding to help meet their health and wellness goals. Each of the 32 NFL Clubs, Fuel Up to Play 60 and local dairy representatives are providing $10,000 grants in communities throughout the country totaling a $320,000 investment in youth health and wellness.
“The San Diego Chargers are proud to support the Chula Vista Elementary School District and partner with California’s dairy families to encourage kids to develop healthy habits for life. Each person on our team values the importance of a healthy lifestyle. This program allows us to better ensure healthier families in the future,” said Chargers President-Business Operations A.G. Spanos.
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.
“Our entire school community is so grateful for the support of California’s dairy families and the San Diego Chargers to create a positive change and encourage a healthy lifestyle for our students, which will have a significant impact,” said Harborside Elementary Principal Marcus Jackson.
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 five titles in the last 11 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 current Chairman of the Board, 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 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.