Let's Fuel Up to Play 60!

With school starting up in just a few days, excitement is building! Why not add Fuel Up to Play 60 as part of your school's nutrition and health initiative? It can complement existing athletic and food service programs without having to add something new to the curriculum! Fuel Up to Play 60 is a free and fun nutrition and physical activity program created by the National Dairy Council, local dairy council, and National Football League (NFL), in collaboration with USDA. It empowers students to take charge in making small, everyday changes at school. These include increased access to nutrient-rich foods, like low-fat and fat-free dairy, fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Students can win cool prizes, like an NFL player visit or Super Bowl tickets, for choosing good-for-you foods and getting active for at least 60 minutes every day. We want kids to make a difference not only in their lives, but also their community.

All of us – parents, community leaders, health and wellness professionals and local government leaders across the country – need to raise awareness and ensure that all students receive proper nutrition and physical activity. We also need to highlight the importance of making healthy choices and inspire students to form lifelong healthy habits. Together we should support and encourage America’s youth as they work to become a healthier generation.

Fuel Up to Play 60 is available to all schools. I'm currently attempting to get our Sulphur Springs schools updated on the website, but all county schools are listed on the site (www.fueluptoplay60.com). There are six steps as part of the Fuel Up to Play 60 program. These are:

• 1) Join the League and Suit Up (promote the initiative through bulletin boards, flyers, etc. - available on the website). Each school will need an advisor.
• 2) Build Teams and Draft Players (parents, teachers, and other supporters can sign up on-line as supporters) and students can form teams.
• 3) Kickoff - host a "Back-to-school" night, pep rally, or other event to build excitement about the FUTP60 program.
• 4) Survey the Field - a School Wellness Investigation tool is located on the website to help determine areas of greatest needs and greatest strengths.
• 5) Game Time! - This step get students to take action to make nutritious foods and physical activity part of a daily routine. Host a school yogurt-tasting event, or fruit tasting event. Hold a recipe contest and invite guest judges to take part. Have a sidewalk chalk drawing contest. Organize a flag football program after school. Again, the website has numerous ideas to help you get started!
• 6) Light Up the Scoreboard - share your successes with media or post them on the FUTP60 website!

One of the benefits of Fuel Up to Play 60 is that your school could possibly win a visit from an NFL player! In addition, I have direct access to some college athletes who would love to visit your school to talk about the importance of eating healthy and getting plenty of physical activity. Your school can also apply for funding (up to $4,000) and receive rewards and recognition for your efforts. The deadline for the next round of funding is October 1st. Visit www.fueluptoplay60.com for resources, announcements, and to sign on as a school site advisor or supporter.

As your County Extension Agent for Family & Consumer Sciences, I am willing to assist any school in implementing this initiative. Just give me a call!

Upcoming Events

• · Thursday, August 23 - Fall Festival Household Arts contest volunteer meeting, noon, Extension Office - lunch provided
• · Tuesday, September 4 - visit the Texas AgriLife Extension exhibit at the Volunteer Fair, Senior Citizen's Center, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
• · Friday, September 7 - 4-H Project Show entries and 4-H Awards applications due in the Extension Office
• · Thursday, September 13 - Household Arts Contest registration, High School Conference Center, 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. (entries may be registered at the Extension Office prior to September 13)
• · Friday, September 14 - Household Arts Contest Registration, High School Conference Center, 7:30-10:00 a.m.
• · September 14 & 15 - Fall Festival Arts & Crafts Show open to public, High School grounds and cafeteria; Household Arts Contest entries on public display, High School Conference Center
• · Saturday, September 15 - 4-H Day at the Rangers "Green Out" Day - see Rangers' website for details
• · Save the Date! - "Dinner Tonight Cooking School", Hopkins County Civic Center, 6:00-8:00 p.m. - registration information coming soon!

Closing Thought

Some minds are like concrete - thoroughly mixed up and permanently set.

Johanna Hicks, B.S., M.Ed.

Extension Family & Consumer Sciences Agent

Hopkins County

1200-B W. Houston

P.O. Box 518

Sulphur Springs, TX 75483

903-885-3443 - phone

903-439-4909 - fax

jshicks@ag.tamu.edu

_____