SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. and MODESTO, Calif., Aug. 19, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), representing California’s more than 1,500 dairy families, today announced their activation of Fuel Up to Play 60 (FUTP 60) in California for the 2014-2015 school year. Fuel Up to Play 60 is an in-school physical activity and nutrition program created by the National Dairy Council in collaboration with the National Football League. The program encourages youth to consume low-fat and fat-free dairy products, fruits, vegetables, lean meats and whole grains while achieving at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140818/137141

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140818/137142

“We know that children need a well-rounded and nutritious diet, and one that includes dairy, to make sure that they are fueled up for optimal learning and to sustain them through at least 60 minutes of physical activity per school day,” said Jennifer Giambroni, Director of Communications for the CMAB. “This is just one of the reasons we are excited to partner with FUTP 60. Through this program, California dairy families are helping schools and students gain access to resources that will help make children healthier, more active and create good habits for life.”

Since its launch, FUTP 60 has helped to make wellness part of the game plan in nearly 73,000 schools across the country. Qualifying California schools participating in FUTP 60 may be eligible for up to $4,000 for the 2014-2015 school year to help support their health and wellness programs. This competitive program is designed to support schools that implement plays from the 2014-2015 edition of the Fuel Up to Play 60 Playbook. These plays can range from creating a healthy breakfast program in a school to coordinating the 100 Mile Club, which challenges students  to walk, jog or run 100 miles at school in a single school year to improve their health and well-being.

With students spending approximately 180 days in school each year and with many students receiving both breakfast and lunch at school, school can be a place where healthy habits can be taught and encouraged. Each FUTP 60 play is designed to complement current fitness and wellness initiatives within schools. In addition, each play advocates for a healthy school community and supports students’ needs to obtain an overall healthier lifestyle one that focuses on positive nutrition and physical activity. 

In addition to being eligible for up to $4,000 in grant funding at the school level, qualifying California schools, teachers, students, districts also have opportunities to win prizes including tickets to a major division football game, autographed football jerseys, mini footballs, helmets and other FUTP 60 gear.

For schools interested in participating in FUTP 60, applications will be available online beginning August 26, 2014 and must be received by November 5, 2014. For more information on Fuel Up to Play 60 and to sign up an eligible school, please visit FuelUpToPlay60.com.

About the California Milk Advisory Board
The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), an instrumentality of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, is funded by the state’s more than 1,500 dairy families. With headquarters in South San Francisco and Modesto, the CMAB is one of the largest commodity boards in the United States. The CMAB executes advertising, public relations, research and retail and foodservice promotional programs on behalf of California dairy products, including Real California Milk and Real California Cheese. For more information and to connect with the CMAB through social media, visit RealCaliforniaMilk.com, like at Facebook.com/RealCaliforniaMilk, view videos at YouTube.com/RealCaliforniaMilk, follow at Twitter.com/RealCalifMilk and Instagram.com/RealCalifMilk and pin at Pinterest.com/RealCalifMilk

About Fuel Up to Play 60
Fuel Up to Play 60 is an in-school nutrition and physical activity program launched by the National Dairy Council (NDC) and the NFL, in collaboration with United States 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 60 minutes of physical activity every day.

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. Customizable and non-prescriptive program components are grounded in research with youth, including tools and resources, in-school promotional materials, a website and student challenges. 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, American Dietetic Association, National Hispanic Medical Association, National Medical Association and School Nutrition Association. Visit www.FuelUpToPlay60.com to learn more.