Statewide Effort to Increase Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Resources Awards $20,000 to LA's BEST After School Enrichment Program

"LA's BEST knows that keeping our kids healthy is a part of their overall well-being," said Eric Gurna, President & CEO of LA's BEST. "This is why, each year we provide the more than 25,000 students we serve with unique opportunities to learn about the importance of healthy eating and exercise. It is an honor to receive this grant through the FUTP 60 program, which will help students be more active, healthier and happier."

The 'Hometown Grant,' and match means students in the LA's BEST program will join the 13 million students who are eating healthier, 16 million students who are being more active and 130,000 adults who are enrolled and empowering youth in the United States through one national program – FUTP 60¹.

"Our California dairy farm families are pleased to ensure LA's BEST students have access to healthy eating programs and options for physical activity both during and after-school," said Jennifer Giambroni, Director of Communications for the California Milk Advisory Board/Real California Milk. "Partnering with the Los Angeles Rams to celebrate the awarding of resources, which will be shared across 750 square miles, is a remarkable accomplishment and a reason we activate FUTP 60 throughout the state."

Developed by FUTP 60 and the National Football League (NFL), the 'Hometown Grant' program provides teams and farmer funded dairy organizations like Real California Milk with the opportunity to identify deserving schools and school districts and provide them with funding to help meet their health and wellness goals.

Each of the 32 NFL Clubs are partnering with FUTP 60 and local dairy representatives to provide $10,000 grants in communities throughout the country totaling a $320,000 investment in youth health and wellness. For the 2016 season, the National Foundation on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition is matching the NFL's donation with $10,000 in resources to celebrate the 60^th anniversary of the President's Council of Fitness, Sports and Nutrition, which is the nation's youth fitness education and assessment program.

"As the Rams return home to Los Angeles, we are passionate about establishing meaningful school partnerships throughout the region," said Molly Higgins, Vice President/Community Affairs and Engagement for the Los Angeles Rams. "In our first year back, we are proud to award LA's BEST with this financial support through the FUTP 60 program and our partnership with the California dairy farm families. We look forward to expanding our partnership and geographic reach in subsequent seasons." 

Created in partnership by the NFL and National Dairy Council, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Fuel Up to Play 60 is the nation's largest in-school wellness program creating real transformational change in more than 73,000 schools nationwide. The national in-school nutrition and physical-activity program is activated in California by the state's more than 1,300 dairy farm families. Since fall 2014, FUTP 60 has helped to award more than $430,000 in grants to schools throughout California in support of their wellness goals.

About the Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams – Los Angeles' original professional sports team – stand as one of the oldest franchises in the National Football League and since its founding in 1937, have garnered three World Championships and sent 29 of its members to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. As a professional sports team, the organization is committed to being a valuable civic partner and serving the greater Los Angeles area 365 days a year. For more information visit www.therams.com and follow the Rams on Facebook and Twitter, @RamsNFL.

About the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB)
The California Milk Advisory Board (Real California Milk), an instrumentality of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, is funded by the state's dairy farm families. With headquarters in Tracy, the CMAB is one of the largest agricultural marketing 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, throughout the U.S. and internationally. For more information and to connect with the CMAB through social media, visit RealCaliforniaMilk.com, like at Facebook, view videos at YouTube, follow at Twitter and Instagram, and pin at Pinterest.

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), which was founded by America's dairy farmers, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). 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. The program additionally 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, last year 14 million students made better food choices and are getting more physically active during the school day. 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, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Association/Foundation, National Hispanic Medical Association, National Medical Association and School Nutrition Association. Visit FuelUpToPlay60.com to learn more.

About National Foundation on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition
The National Foundation on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition believes that the strongest America is one where every citizen has the opportunity to lead a healthy lifestyle. As the official foundation of the President's Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition, the National Foundation is the only congressionally chartered nonprofit with the sole focus to help more Americans be active, play sports & eat healthy. Through private donations and partnerships, the Foundation supports programs and initiatives that educate, engage, and empower Americans of all backgrounds and abilities to adopt a healthy lifestyle. For more information, visit fitness.foundation.

About LA's BEST After School Enrichment Program
LA's BEST After School Enrichment Program was created in 1988 by Los Angeles City Mayor Tom Bradley to address the lack of quality, caring and safe programs for children during the critical after school hours of 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Today, LA's BEST serves more than 25,000 students at 193 elementary school sites through the Los Angeles Unified School District's Beyond the Bell Branch. For more information, visit www.lasbest.org.

1. https://www.fueluptoplay60.com/

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SOURCE California Milk Advisory Board

Related Links

http://realcaliforniamilk.com