SUDIA, Falcons to host “Be a Milk Champion” celebration at Mirror Lake Elementary

May 16, 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 16, 2017 For more information, contact: Southeast United Dairy Industry Association, Inc. Contact: Joel Hall – [email protected] - (470) 226-3005

SUDIA, Falcons to host “Be a Milk Champion” celebration at Mirror Lake Elementary Event to feature Falcons punter Matt Bosher and mascot ‘Freddie Falcon’

When: Friday, May 19, 2017 from 12-2 p.m. Where: Mirror Lake Elementary School, 2613 Tyson Road, Villa Rica, GA 30180 Who: Atlanta Falcons punter Matt Bosher, Atlanta Falcons mascot ‘Freddie Falcon,’ Atlanta Falcons cheerleaders, Fuel Up to Play 60, Southeast United Dairy Industry Association, Inc. (SUDIA) and Douglas County education and school nutrition officials. VILLA RICA, Georgia – More than 500 students, Douglas County school and nutrition officials, Atlanta Falcons staff and Fuel Up to Play 60/SUDIA representatives will gather May 19 for the “Be a Milk Champion” Celebration. The event will take place at Mirror Lake Elementary School in Villa Rica, Georgia from 12-2 p.m.  and will feature Atlanta Falcons punter Matt Bosher (#05) and team mascot, Freddie Falcon. Activities will include guest speakers, a live Twitter Chat with Bosher, a parade, a milk chugging competition, agility ladder exercises, a dance contest, and lunchtime surprises for Mirror Lake Elementary students provided by SUDIA and the Atlanta Falcons. The celebration serves as the culmination of Douglas County School System’s recent “Be a Milk Champion” Contest, in which Douglas County elementary and middle schools competed between March and April to increase breakfast participation and milk consumption. Mirror Lake Elementary School succeeded by achieving an 8 percent increase in breakfast participation, a 9 percent increase in milk served at breakfast and a 10 percent increase in breakfast served at lunch. The school system’s contest received an extra boost with the help of SUDIA/Fuel Up to Play 60 promotional  materials, as well as school announcement videos provided by Bosher and the Atlanta Falcons. “We know milk is an essential component of the school meal,” said Douglas County Child Nutrition Director  Emily Hanlin. “With the help of SUDIA promotional materials and the star power of the Atlanta Falcons, students learned the importance of starting the day with a nutritious breakfast at school and were eager to participate in the challenge.” “It is a proven fact that good nutrition leads to improved classroom performance, higher test scores and better behavior,” said SUDIA Manager of School Health and Wellness Sharon Rhodes. “Students who don’t eat breakfast miss 25 percent of their daily nutrition, so increasing participation in school breakfast helps students  get the vital nutrients they need to perform well. We’re proud to be able to celebrate what Douglas County is doing to encourage students to choose nutrient-rich foods like milk and dairy products, whole grains, fruits and vegetables.” During Friday’s event, Bosher and Freddie Falcon will lead students in fun physical activities to encourage students to eat healthy and achieve 60 minutes of physical play every day. SUDIA and Falcons staff will be available for interviews and video coverage. For more information about the event, please contact SUDIA Integrated Communications Program Manager Joel Hall, at [email protected] (470) 226-3005.

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 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), 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, 13 million students are making better food choices by selecting nutritious options like low-fat and fat-free dairy products,  fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Additionally, 16 million students are getting more physically active during the school day as a result of the program. Fuel Up to Play 60 is designed to engage and empower youth to take action for their own health by implementing longterm,  positive changes for themselves and their schools. Customizable and non-prescriptive program components are grounded in research, including tools and resources, in-school promotional materials, a website and student contests. Visit FuelUpToPlay60.com to learn more