Government, NDC and NFL join to fight childhood obesity

Some of the nation’s principal thought leaders in child health, physical activity and education have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that outlines an unprecedented private-public partnership committed to child health and wellness. 

This historic agreement brings together the National Dairy Council, the National Football League, leading government authorities, and the Gen YOUth Foundation, a newly formed nonprofit organization that supports efforts to end childhood obesity.

MOU co-signers include U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack; U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan; U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius; NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell; NDC CEO Thomas Gallagher and Gen YOUth Foundation CEO Alexis Glick. This MOU sets a precedent for private-public partnerships and cross-department collaboration.

“We are pleased to join this diverse group to collaborate in addressing the childhood obesity epidemic – a problem too big to tackle alone,” said Goodell. “The NFL is proud to be a partner in Fuel Up to Play 60, which is making a real and lasting impact in schools across the country.”

Launched in 2007 by NDC and NFL, Fuel Up to Play 60 (FUTP60) is a customizable in-school program that empowers and rewards youth in more than 70,000 schools to improve nutrition and physical activity. It encourages youth to consume nutrient-rich foods (including low-fat and fat-free dairy, fruits, vegetables and whole grains) and achieve at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. Fuel Up to Play 60 has earned recognition across the private and public sectors: the USDA has joined the effort, and additional support has been achieved from the nation’s most respected health organizations and several major corporations.

“Since more than 50 percent of a student’s daily calories are consumed at school, the school environment is an ideal setting for turning healthy behaviors into lifelong habits. To make an impact in schools and beyond, it is critically important to engage kids in an exciting way,” said Secretary Vilsack.

In this spirit of collaboration, a new Foundation, Gen YOUth, has launched. Gen YOUth Foundation will work with schools, communities and business partners to develop and support programs that create lasting changes in the child health and wellness arena, including its flagship initiative, FUTP 60. The Gen YOUth mission is to create a movement that inspires youth to change their behavior.

1. Are drones protected by the First Amendment?
2. Ground beef recalled due to possible E. coli contamination
3. Ag markets moved generally higher Wednesday
4. Repainting “American Gothic:” Number of women farming triples
5. U.S. milk production rose 0.8% in May
6. India: Milk’s new horizon

1. Will Smith dethroned in latest Peterson Farm Bros. parody
2. Ranching music video goes viral
3. Uncertainty hangs over milk futures market
4. Chobani pushes back against UK Greek yogurt ban
5. Cattle crush Calif. dairy worker
6. WASDE: Corn price outlook lowered

1. USDA report shows continued adoption of no-till
2. Finding the comedy in ag-gag
3. Expert offers tips to reduce hay-drying time
4. Commentary: Ag must resist HSUS 'divide and conquer' strategy
5. Chobani pushes back against UK Greek yogurt ban
6. Will Smith dethroned in latest Peterson Farm Bros. parody