Congratulations to Ranchito Avenue Elementary in Los Angeles, Fay Elementary School in San Diego, and Pioneer Middle School in Tustin, Calif.!  Each school is a recipient of funds awarded by Dairy Council of California for their Fuel Up to Play 60 initiatives. 

Fuel Up to Play 60 is a free school wellness program used in more than 70,000 schools nationwide.  Dairy Council is facilitating the program in California. 

We are thrilled to be involved not only because we are building awareness of and access to nutrient-rich foods on school campuses during breakfast and lunch, but we are also providing funds that support nutrition and fitness programs, as many of these programs are being cut due to California’s tight education budget. 

Total funding awarded to the three schools is $8,200.  The funds will be used for a variety of wellness activities that promote good nutrition and physical activity.  By supporting efforts like this, we hope to help create healthy habits that last a lifetime.

Applications for funds for the 2011-2012 school year are now being accepted from California schools that enroll in Fuel Up to Play 60.  Schools can learn more about eligibility requirements and find the Funds for Fuel Up to Play 60 application at http://www.fueluptoplay60.com/.  There are several application windows each year, so make sure to get your local school involved.

Launched by National Dairy Council, local Dairy Councils and the National Football League (NFL), in collaboration with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Fuel Up to Play 60 program encourages youth to consume nutrient-rich foods and achieve at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. The program is now in its third year.