LINCOLN — Gov. Dave Heineman highlighted a national program Monday in an effort to encourage healthy food choices and exercise in Nebraska schools.
The program, Fuel Up to Play 60, provides funding for schools to buy physical activity equipment, promote the eating of nutrient-rich foods and institute exercise programs of their own.
To date, 981 Nebraska schools have signed onto the program. Schools that create their own exercise and incentive programs can apply for up to $4,000. So far, 19 schools have qualified and have received a total of $57,500.
The program was launched in 2010 as a collaboration involving the National Dairy Council, the Midwest Dairy Council and the National Football League, with the goal of encouraging kids to eat healthfully and be physically active for at least 60 minutes a day.
"This program is important to schoolchildren and dairy farmers in Nebraska," Heineman said. "Kids who eat a variety of healthy foods and are physically active every day do better in the classroom."
The governor was joined by dairy industry representatives, the Nebraska chief medical officer and a teacher and students from St. John Nepomucene Catholic School in Weston, Neb., which is participating in the program.
As a part of the program, St. John began promoting healthful snacks and introduced Walking Wednesdays to get kids and parents active. Last year, students walked nearly 6,000 miles — the equivalent of walking from Weston to Rome.
The school received $1,550 last year from Fuel Up to Play 60 and will receive $2,400 this year.
Teacher Lisa Maly said this year's funds will be used to buy jump ropes, workout DVDs and incentives for students.
A recent Division of Public Health report found that almost one-third of Nebraska children ages 10 to 17 are considered overweight or obese, a statistic that mirrors the national average.
Contact the writer: michael.bamesberger@owh.com
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