SUDIA and Falcons give Gwinnett Schools $10,000 health and wellness grant

October 13, 2016

Falcons Punter Matt Bosher to host student fitness drills during grant celebration

LAWERENCEVILLE, Georgia – As part of efforts to improve youth health and wellness, the Southeast United Dairy Industry Association, Inc. and the Atlanta Falcons will host a Hometown Grant Celebration on October 18 from 9:45-11 a.m. at Sweetwater Middle School. During that time, the Southeast Dairy Association and Falcons will provide Gwinnett County Public Schools with a $10,000 Hometown Grant to support healthy eating and physical education improvements. Falcons punter Matt Bosher and Falcons/Southeast Dairy Association support staff will host active football drills for Sweetwater students. Prior to the festivities, local dairy farm representatives will assist in a check presentation ceremony for Gwinnett County school officials. “Every year, the Southeast Dairy Association and Atlanta Falcons choose a deserving school district in Georgia to receive the grant,” said Sharon Rhodes, Southeast Dairy Association manager of school health and wellness. “We are thrilled to support the Gwinnett County schools with this grant, which will  support more healthy eating opportunities. Well-nourished and physically active kids do better in school, so we are proud to assist in the school district’s efforts.” Developed by the National Football League (NFL) and Fuel Up to Play 60 in 2014, the “Hometown  Grants” initiative provides grants to support physical activity and nutrition programs in school districts in all 32 NFL markets. This year, the National Foundation on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition will join the  partnership, which to date has provided nearly $1 million to schools across the country. The national commitment and 2016 program was announced September 6, during the NFL’s 2016 season kick-off in Denver, Colorado. Through the Hometown Grants program, NFL teams and state/regional dairy organizations identify  deserving schools in their communities to receive funding that helps facilitate sustainable physical activity and healthy eating programs for students. Since 2014, the program has provided more than 700 schools nationwide with funds and resources, resulting in more than 1 million students staying physically active and making healthier food choices. This year, the National Foundation on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition is joining the partnership and providing resources, such as assessment software, training tools and student recognition, to enable schools to implement the Presidential Youth Fitness Program, the nation’s youth fitness education and assessment program. The donation is being made as part of the Foundation’s #0to60 campaign honoring the 60th anniversary of the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition. Sweetwater Middle School is located at 3500 Cruse Road NW, Lawrenceville, GA 30044. For more information about the celebration, contact Joel Hall at [email protected] To join Fuel Up to Play 60 and learn more about the program, please visit www.FuelUpToPlay60.com.

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). 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. The program additionally 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 and are getting more physically active during the school day. 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 the Southeast Dairy Association

On behalf of dairy farm families, the non-profit Southeast United Dairy Industry Association, Inc. (SUDIA) works with schools, health professionals, retailers, dairy processors and the public to promote dairy foods. For more information, visit www.southeastdairy.org.

About National Foundation on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition

The National Foundation on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition believes that the strongest America is one  where every citizen has the opportunity to lead a healthy lifestyle. As the official foundation of the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition, the National Foundation is the only congressionally chartered nonprofit with the sole focus to help more Americans be active, play sports and eat healthy. Through private donations and partnerships, the Foundation supports programs and initiatives that  educate, engage, and empower Americans of all backgrounds and abilities to adopt a healthy lifestyle. For more information, visit fitness.foundation. Contacts: Joel Hall – SUDIA Integrated Communications Program Manager Email: [email protected] • Direct: 470.226.3005 • Cell: 770.842.9154