NASHVILLE, Tenn. --* *The Tennessee Titans supported more than 200 dairy farmers and associates from around the country Wednesday at the Loews Hotel, where they met to network and share health educational programs.
The local Southeast United Dairy Industry Association welcomed Dairy Farm leaders from across the eastern part of the United States in Nashville to meet as a group and to plan for the future of nutrition leadership. The Dairy Industry has formed partnerships over the years to promote healthy eating and make nutrition a priority with youth.
For example, one of the programs that has created a partnership with the NFL and locally with the Tennessee Titans is the well-known "Fuel Up to Play 60" program in the schools that encourages youth to fuel up with nutrient-packed foods like low-fat milk, yogurt and cheese, fruit, vegetables and whole grains and be active at least 60 minutes every day.
The new campaign for schools this spring is "Fuel Greatness: Increasing Availability, Accessibility and Participation in School Breakfast."
New research shows that better nutrition, starting with breakfast and coupled with increased physical activity, can lead to better academic achievement.
"It's programs like these that allow us to make a true impact in our community," said Titans Director of Marketing Brad McClanahan. "Schools will use these additional resources to help children across the state continue to learn about eating healthy and the benefits of playing 60 minutes every day."
"We are excited about the wonderful partnership with the Titans and the opportunity to expand the 'Fuel Up To Play 60' program in Tennessee schools through this partnership," said Joan Benton, manager of school health and wellness with Southeast United Dairy Industry Association, Inc. "We will continue to offer campaigns that schools can embrace like the spring campaign 'Fuel Greatness' and increase breakfast participation in the schools. Healthy students are better students, which is what Fuel Up To Play 60 is all about!"
The program, launched by the National Dairy Council and the NFL, is focused on getting students to "fuel up" with nutrient-rich foods like low-fat & fat-free milk, fruits, vegetables and whole grains and to "get up and play" for 60 minutes a day."
The Titans teamed up with dairy farmers and associates from around the country to network and share health educational programs. (Photos: Lynne McCracken)
The National Dairy Council was first formed by dairy farmers and processors to protect and promote the healthy benefits of dairy products and the industry. Today, the dairy producer-funded NDC is a highly-credible science-based nutrition information resource to schools, health professionals, media and other leaders.
Titans mascot T-Rac entertained guests as they arrived, and Titans cheerleaders Kaitlin and Kiara greeted them, signed autographs and posed for pictures.
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 play for 60 minutes a day.
