Grant supports Glenbard Play 60 initiative
The Midwest Dairy Council and the NFL awarded Glenbard High School District 87 a $16,000 grant to support its Fuel Up to Play 60 initiative, thanks to the grant-writing efforts of the Glenbard District 87 Wellness Committee.
Fuel Up to Play 60 encourages young people to consume nutrient-rich foods and achieve at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day.
This grant program offers schools up to $4,000 to help them increase awareness of and access to nutrient-rich foods and physical activity opportunities for students.
"Research strongly suggests the quality of food eaten by children impacts cognition, and that increased physical activity may demonstrate superior executive brain function," said Wellness Committee Chairwoman Christa Gifford.
"This generous funding allows our school district to continue to work with our youth to instill these important wellness principles, with our goal to ultimately improve students' school performance and achievement in addition to lifelong health and wellness."
Funds for Fuel Up to Play 60, provided by the Midwest Dairy Council and the NFL, will support a variety of activities and tools for Glenbard District 87, including a fall fitness kickoff event and winter fitness opportunities for students, the Healthy Cooking Challenge during Live Life Well Week, and various other wellness events planned by students, staff and Wellness Committee members throughout the year.
"Wellness is more important than ever to students' overall success," said Wellness Committee member Gilda Ross, Glenbard District 87 student and community projects coordinator.
"Improved nutrition and increased physical activity are critical to ensure a school environment that enhances students' readiness to learn."
Glenbard District 87's Wellness Committee focuses on promoting and supporting the school board's wellness policy and related goals in the areas of student nutrition education and physical activity.
The Wellness Committee includes students, parents, support staff, PE/health teachers, family and consumer science teachers, school nurses, school psychologists, community partners, a representative from the district insurance carrier (Blue Cross/Blue Shield), and central office administrators.
District 87's wellness policy and Wellness Committee are focused on nutrition education, physical activity and social-emotional well-being.
Further information about Glenbard District 87's Wellness Committee is available under the community tab at glenbard87.org.