National Dairy Council® and General Mills Foodservice to Award $50,000 in Grants to Fund K-12 Schools Breakfast Programs

ROSEMONT, Ill., June 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Dairy Council has partnered with General Mills Foodservice for the fourth consecutive year to offer Fuel Up™ Breakfast Grants - providing children an opportunity for a nutritious breakfast aimed at jumpstarting their school day. Schools looking to develop or expand their breakfast programs can apply to receive up to $2,000 in funding through the grant program. Over the last three years, the grant program has provided more than $260,000 in funds and has significantly increased breakfast participation in the classroom by offering nutritious choices such as yogurt parfaits, fruit, whole grain cereals and low-fat and fat-free yogurt. A total of $50,000 is available to eligible schools for the 2012-13 school year and online applications available at http://school.fueluptoplay60.com/funds/introduction.php will be accepted through July 31, 2012.

"We are honored to work with General Mills Foodservice to help bring nutritious breakfast options to the school environment and provide students with the resources they need to make healthy choices," said Jean H. Ragalie, RD, president of National Dairy Council, the organization behind Fuel Up to Play 60. "In this time of economic challenges and time constraints, it is more important than ever to create an environment that makes eating healthy and staying active attainable within any type of budget in any school district."

The Fuel Up Breakfast Grant is open to schools within the United States who participate in the National School Breakfast Program and are enrolled in the National Dairy Council "Fuel Up to Play 60" program for the 2012-13 school year. "Fuel Up to Play 60" is a partnership between the National Dairy Council and the National Football League to empower youth to take action to improve nutrition and physical activity at their school and for their own health.

Through the Fuel Up Breakfast Grants more than 100 schools have improved student access to high-quality, nourishing foods through breakfast programs such as breakfast in the classroom, grab 'n' go breakfast from a cart, or a second chance breakfast after the first class period. During the grant period, breakfast participation increased 94 percent.

Schools applying for a Fuel Up Breakfast Grant must participate in the USDA School Breakfast Program, have support from their school principal, district school nutrition director and school nutrition manager, have school enrollment of at least 500, have a breakfast participation level less than 40 percent, and demonstrate an opportunity to raise breakfast participation.

Applicants will be notified by August 15, 2012, as to whether their school's application has been approved or declined. Educators can visit http://school.fueluptoplay60.com/funds/introduction.php for more information and to access the grant application.

About General Mills Foodservice
General Mills Foodservice sells a wide array of high-quality products to operators in the foodservice and restaurant channels, delivering consistent quality and proven performance through its branded products including Cheerios®, Yoplait® yogurt, Nature Valley® granola bars, Gold Medal® baking mixes, Pillsbury® biscuits and other sweet goods.  The division generates more than $1.8 billion in annual sales.

About National Dairy Council
National Dairy Council (NDC), the non-profit organization funded by the national dairy checkoff program, is committed to nutrition education and research-based communications. NDC provides science-based nutrition information to, and in collaboration with, a variety of stakeholders committed to fostering a healthier nation, including health professionals, educators, school nutrition directors, academia, industry, consumers and media. Established in 1915, NDC comprises a staff of registered dietitians and nutrition research and communications experts across the country. NDC has taken a leadership role in promoting child health and wellness through programs such as Fuel Up to Play 60. Developed by NDC and the National Football League (NFL), Fuel Up to Play 60 encourages youth to consume nutrient-rich foods and achieve at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. For more information, visit www.NationalDairyCouncil.org.

SOURCE General Mills; National Dairy Council