Deer Lakes

School District

Deer Lakes earns $4,000 grant from NFL/National Dairy Assocation

The Deer Lakes School District recently received a check from the National Football League (NFL) and the American Dairy Association North East in the amount of $3,994 thanks to the Fuel Up to Play 60 program, an in-school nutrition and physical activity program launched by the American Dairy Association, the NFL, and the USDA to support young people in leading healthier lives.

In the past two school years, Deer Lakes has received multiple Fuel Up to Play 60 grants totaling more than $20,000, which it has used to purchase breakfast carts and blenders to allow students greater access to healthy nutritional options.  The grant money has also allowed the district, through its wellness committee, to purchase physical education and recess equipment that continue to expose the staff and students to the concepts of the Fuel Up to Play 60 philosophy.

For the past two years, the American Dairy Association North East has made it possible for Deer Lakes students have the opportunity to meet Pittsburgh Steelers Arthur Moats and Cam Heyward at Heinz Field where they discussed wellness initiatives and opportunities as well as the value of healthy eating and exercise while reducing the amount of video game play.

“This year’s grant money will be split between the PE department and Food Services,” said Joe Beaman, the district’s Director of Food Services. “Our wellness committee has earmarked some of the money for fitness equipment with the majority of it going to a new dairy cooler, which we believe will increase student consumption of healthier low fat dairy products.”

According to assistant superintendent, Bobbi-Ann Barnes, today’s announcement is just a latest example of how much Deer Lakes prioritizes student wellness.  “We are very proud and humbled to have again been recognized by the NFL and the American Dairy Association for the wellness initiatives we’ve implemented over the past few years including Laps for Learning, increased recess opportunities for our students and other daily activities that encourage our students and staff to lead healthier, less sedentary lifestyles,” she said. 

To learn more about the Fuel Up to Play 60 program click here.

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