NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Titans running back Bishop Sankey* *supported the Southeast United Dairy Industry Association and students at Hume-Fogg Academic Magnet High School as they were recognized as the winners of the "Milk: The Titans of Breakfast Contest."
The Fuel Greatness campaign kicked off last fall with the "Milk: Titans of Breakfast" contest. Out of the 263 schools that entered the contest from across middle Tennessee, Hume-Fogg had the highest percent increase of 78 percent in breakfast participation as well as the highest increase of 74 percent in milk.
Running back Bishop Sankey supported the Southeast United Dairy Industry Association and winners of the "Milk: The Titans of Breakfast Contest" at Hume-Fogg Academic Magnet High School. (Photos: Lynne McCracken)
Hunger is a real issue that many children struggle with each day and schools play a vital role in feeding those children. Statistics show that one in five Tennessee students come to school hungry and do not receive the healthy foods they need to fight illness or concentrate in class, which leads to missed school days. New research shows that better nutrition starting with nutrient-packed foods like low-fat milk, yogurt and cheese, fruit, vegetables and whole grains, coupled with increased physical activity can lead to better academic achievement. All students deserve a chance to be great at what is important to them.
"The contest came at a perfect time to help promote breakfast as Metro-Nashville Public Schools started universal free breakfast to all our schools," said Spencer Taylor, Executive Director, Metro Nashville Public Schools. "The contest helped to show the community that our department continues to be committed to providing all students with a nutritious breakfast to help them start their school day.
"I believe the winning results show that our students are responding to and appreciate our efforts," Taylor continued. "We appreciate the Tennessee Titans, and the Tennessee Dairy Farmers who have made this program possible for schools to help students eat breakfast and increase their milk consumption at school."
"It's programs like this that allow us to make a true impact in our community," said Brad McClanahan, Titans director of marketing. "Schools will use these additional resources to help children across the state continue to learn about eating healthy and the benefits of playing 60 minutes every day."
"We are excited about the partnership with the Tennessee Titans and the opportunity to expand the Fuel Up To Play 60 program in Tennessee schools," said Joan Benton, manager of school health and wellness with Southeast United Dairy Industry Association, Inc. "Healthy students are better students, which is what Fuel Up To Play 60 is all about. The program, launched by the National Dairy Council and the NFL, is focused on getting students to fuel up with nutrient-rich foods like low-fat & fat-free milk, fruits, vegetables and whole grains and to get up be active for at least 60 minutes a day."
Titans mascot, T-Rac stopped by to congratulate the students and fuel up with a nutritious breakfast that included fruit, low-fat milk and yogurt.
The new Fuel Up to Play 60 school campaign being launched this spring is called "Fuel Greatness" which focuses on increasing availability, accessibility and participation in school breakfast. New research shows that better nutrition starting with breakfast, coupled with increased physical activity can lead to better academic achievement.
Good nutrition and physical activity help ensure a strong and high-achieving generation of youth. Access to nutritious, affordable food and 60 minutes of play a day will continue to help kids "fuel their greatness" inside and outside the classroom.
