Multiple health organisations and several major corporations are also cooperating in the campaign, known as ‘Fuel Up to Play 60’. It’s funded with an initial private sector financial commitment of $250m over five years by America’s Dairy Farmers.
Funding is expected to grow as government, business, communities and families join the effort to improve nutrient-rich food choices and achieve 60 minutes of physical activity each day among children. More than 58,000 of the nation’s 96,000 private and public schools are currently enrolled in Fuel Up to Play 60.
US agriculture secretary Tom Vilsack said: “Increasing access to more nutrient-rich foods and physical activity in America’s schools is no simple task, and will require the combined effort of private and public interests. Partnerships like these can make a significant difference in our battle against childhood obesity.”
Vilsack joined Dairy Management Inc CEO Tom Gallagher and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell at a New York City public school to support and promote the initiative.
The programme taps the power of the NFL and its teams, players and physical activity programming to add recognition and value for students. All 32 NFL teams are participating in the programme through local dairy councils and schools in their respective markets.
Source: National Dairy Council
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