Boston, MA - Tuesday, September 27, 2016 - Today, New England Patriots Charitable Foundation and New England Dairy & Food Council showed their continued commitment to child health and wellness by awarding Channing Elementary School of the Boston Public Schools (BPS) with a $10,000 Hometown Grant.
"Supporting healthy nutrition and physical activity are two important measures to ensure Boston's students are happy and thriving," said Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh. "I thank the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation and New England Dairy & Food Council for their continued support of Boston students, and look forward to the Channing Elementary School benefiting from this grant."
The grant will be used to support healthy nutrition and physical activity programs within the school by updating the playground and cafeteria. The schoolwide assembly culminated in an ultimate gym class that was led by New England Patriots alumni players.
"We're striving to provide essential health services to our students, because a healthy mind and body leads to productivity both in and outside of the classroom," said Superintendent Tommy Chang. "This contribution from the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation and New England Dairy & Food Council will help further our programming at the Channing, and I am very excited for our children as they gear up to take full advantage of our wellness offerings this school year."
Now in its third year, the Hometown Grant program was created by Fuel Up to Play 60 and the National Football League (NFL) to identify deserving schools and assist them in reaching their wellness goals. This year alone, the nationwide program will award Fuel Up to Play 60 schools with more than $300,000. Fuel Up to Play 60 is the nation's largest in-school and student-driven wellness program reaching nearly 74,000 schools - more than 3,500 of those are right here in New England.
"We know many children are lacking in getting the nutrition and physical activity they need to succeed, but all kids deserve a chance at a healthy lifestyle. That's why the Hometown Grant program is a priority for the New England Patriots," said Patriots and Pro Football Hall of Famer Andre Tippett. "It is critical that schools and communities work together to provide solutions to develop their health and wellness initiatives."
Channing Elementary School's students began the day welcoming special guests, including: New England Patriots alumni players, Executive Director of Community Affairs Andre Tippett, mascot Pat Patriot, and cheerleaders, and dairy farmer Marlow Duffy of Great Brook Farm in Carlisle, MA. After the check presentation ceremony concluded, a group of students participated in a gym class.
"Our students were so excited to learn about the grant and the improvements we envision making to our school meals and fitness programs," said Carline Pignato, Principal of Channing Elementary School. "We're excited to embrace the Fuel Up to Play 60 program and have the students help customize it to our school's needs. The sky's the limit for us!"
Research demonstrates that good nutrition, including daily breakfast and increased physical activity, can lead to improved academic performance. 1 However, recent studies show that every day more than 60 percent of students do not eat breakfast and only one in three are active. 2
"Fuel Up to Play 60 is driven by students working to create positive change in their schools," said Erin Wholey, RD, LDN, Director, Youth Wellness Programs with New England Dairy & Food Council. "Communities teach kids to dream big, and we're excited as an organization representing New England's dairy farm families to help fulfill this school's goals."
Fuel Up to Play 60 was created in partnership by the NFL and National Dairy Council, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Find out how your school can sign up for the free-of-charge program at FuelUpToPlay60.com .
"Everyone has a role to play in emphasizing the importance of daily physical activity and good nutrition," said Mrs. Duffy. "As a Massachusetts dairy farmer, I know that I'm helping others eat better and, after seeing the students' excitement today, I leave knowing that Fuel Up to Play 60 is the right program for us farmers to proudly support."
Sources
1 American College of Sports Medicine, American School Health Association, GENYOUth Foundation, National Dairy Council, The Wellness Impact: Enhancing Academic Through Healthy School Environment, March 2013.
2 Eaton DK, Kann L, Kinchen S, et al. 2012. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report: Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance - United States 2011, Surveillance Summary No. 61(SS04);1-162. Center for Disease Control and Prevention
