On Tuesday, October 10, school teams from 33 Michigan schools were joined at Ford Field by dairy farmers, motivational speakers, Detroit Lions players and other special guests to learn about nutrition and physical activity at the Fuel Up to Play 60 Rally for School Health. Students gained valuable, practical leadership skills and knowledge to share nutrition and health information and encourage fellow students and school leaders to adopt healthier eating habits and add more physical activity to their day.
Michigan dairy farmer, Carla Wardin, was the event emcee and five dairy farmers served as referees to school teams helping them navigate the event. Throughout the day, both current and former Detroit Lions players spoke to the students about exercise and the importance of including dairy in their diets. Students played interactive games with the Detroit Lions players including nutrition trivia and getting active on the field with tight end Eric Ebron, strong safety Miles Killbrew, linebacker Tahir Whitehead and the Detroit Lions youth football coaches.
To wrap up the day, Milk Means More Fuel Up to Play 60 Ambassador, Detroit Lions running back Ameer Abdullah, shared tips on how to eat healthy, be active and make a difference.
Students who attended the event commented, “It was cool to learn how to stay healthy.” Several students shared they learned a lot of valuable nutrition information, like milk is a healthy choice, and starting the day with a nutritious breakfast leads to a healthier lifestyle. In addition to nutrition tips, a student said, “I learned that I can make a difference.”
Fuel Up to Play 60 is a partnership between the National Football League and the National Dairy Council in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and other program partners. It is an in-school nutrition and physical activity program focusing on empowering students to create the change in their school environments and communities.
About the United Dairy Industry of Michigan
The United Dairy Industry of Michigan is the umbrella organization for the Dairy Council of Michigan and the American Dairy Association of Michigan. On behalf of Michigan’s dairy farm families, these non-profit organizations provide science-based nutrition information to, and in collaboration with, a variety of stakeholders committed to fostering a healthier society, including health professionals, educators, school nutrition directors, academia, industry, consumers and media. For more information, visit MilkMeansMore.org.
