Targeting elementary and middle school-aged children in San Diego and Orange counties, Fuel Up to Play 60 provides nutrition education and physical activity programs and incentives to students for free.  The programs focus on making smart choices about nutrition and activity, including "fueling up" with nutrient-rich foods such as low-fat and fat-free dairy foods, fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and "getting up to play" 60 minutes a day.

"Lifestyle habits - both good and bad - are typically formed at an early age," said Peggy Biltz, Dairy Council of California CEO.  "By providing comprehensive, grade-specific nutrition education programs and emphasizing physical fitness, Fuel Up to Play 60 will teach kids that eating right and staying active are important for their futures."

Beginning Oct. 15, 2009 and running through the 2009-2010 school year, teachers and administrators can enter to compete with other local public schools to win a variety of Charger prizes through eating nutritious foods, being active and participating in suggested in-school programs and activities.  Prizes include a school assembly with a Chargers player, autographed Chargers merchandise, Charger Girl visits and game tickets.

"It's important that kids understand the importance of good nutrition and exercise at an early age," said Chargers Executive Vice President A.G. Spanos.  "Fuel Up to Play 60's programs and incentives will  not only get kids excited about learning healthy lifestyle skills, but the overall program compliments our Chargers Champions program, which has already provided fitness and athletic equipment to deserving schools.  Our goal is to keep giving kids a reason to use the equipment and ultimately live healthier lives."

Public schools that enroll in Fuel Up to Play 60 receive grade-specific nutrition education programs developed by Dairy Council of California.  The programs teach students about eating a balanced diet and are based on the most current Dietary Guidelines for Americans and USDA's MyPyramid food guidance system.

These schools also receive a Fuel Up to Play 60 School Wellness Kits, which includes posters, banners, display cubes and more featuring San Diego Charger Kassim Osgood.  To receive nutrition education programs, Fuel Up to Play 60 materials and enter the competition, school representatives can call 866/572-1359 or visit http://www.dairycouncilofca.org/educators .

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Dairy Council of California develops nutrition education programs that promote making healthy choices from all the food groups and regular physical activity. For more information, please visit http://www.mealsmatter.org or http://www.dairycouncilofca.org. Healthy Eating Made Easier.