NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Titans joined their long-time partner Southeast United Dairy Industry Association and more than 150 directors from the Tennessee Child Nutrition Directors Study Council in Murfreesboro encouraging schools to FUEL GREATNESS with Fuel Up To Play 60(FUTP60).
Fuel Up to Play 60 is the nation's largest in-school nutrition and physical activity program, now reaching 73,000 schools that enroll over 38 million students. Launched nationally in 2010 by the National Dairy Council and the National football league and in collaboration with the USDA, Fuel Up to Play 60 is designed to help students make changes in their schools by improving opportunities to consume nutrient-rich foods and get at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day.
Titans, Southeast United Dairy Industry Association encourage schools to Fuel Up To Play 60. (Photos: Lynne McCracken)
The NFL Play 60 campaign is designed to tackle childhood obesity by getting kids active in school, afterschool and team-based programs. The Southeast Dairy Association and the Titans work together to help make wellness part of the game plan in Tennessee schools through Play 60 and Fuel Up to Play 60.
Titans Kicker Ryan Succop was on hand to encourage educators to help young people to fuel up with nutrient rich foods and be active 60 minutes every day.
"Exercise and a healthy diet is a message I am passionate about spreading," said Succop. "Being able to reach our local youth is a home run! The benefits of dairy are undeniable for an athlete."
Charles Hatcher, a 5th generation local farmer who cares for his 200 acre Hatcher Family Farm in College Grove, TN is also a middle school football coach. Hatcher shared the bridge between Titans football, FUTP60 and a dairy farm.
"Dairy foods are a great source of natural fuel for your body," said Hatcher. "Low-fat milk, cheese and yogurt are packed with nine essential vitamins and minerals you need to be healthy and strong. As a TN dairy farmer, I take great pride in producing a wholesome and nutritious product for our neighbors and community. And, I am proud to support programs like Fuel Up to Play 60 which helps schools fuel greatness by increasing access to healthy foods and physical activity for our school children,"
"Good nutrition and physical activity help ensure a strong and high-achieving generation of youth. Access to nutritious, affordable food and 60 minutes of play a day will continue to help kids "fuel their greatness" inside and outside the classroom, said Joan Benton, manager of school health and wellness, and Titans Relations with Southeast United Dairy Industry Association, Inc. "Healthy students are better students, which is what Fuel Up To Play 60 is all about!
Whether you are a parent, educator or friend, you can have a positive influence and make a difference in a child's life by encouraging them to eat well and get active for 60 minutes a day.
