Fremont Elementary School is receiving $1,000 to support its Fuel Up to Play 60 initiative.

It was selected from several schools throughout the state that applied for funding to help jumpstart and sustain healthy nutrition and physical activity improvements.

Wisconsin schools are eligible to receive up to $1,000 to help them increase awareness of and access to nutrient-rich foods and physical activity opportunities for students.

Funding for this competitive program is provided by the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board through Wisconsin’s dairy farmers.

Fuel Up to Play 60 is an in-school nutrition and physical activity program launched by the National Dairy Council and the National Football League, with additional partnership support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The program encourages youth to consume nutrient-rich foods (low-fat and fat-free dairy, fruits, vegetables and whole grains) and achieve at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day.

Funds for Fuel Up to Play 60 provide support for a variety of activities and tools, such as foodservice materials and taste-testing supplies, nutrition and physical education equipment.

Fremont Elementary teachers Shari Foster, Holly Olsen and Rich Tomaszewski are spear-heading the school’s Fuel Up to Play 60 movement with a team of student leaders.

Funds will be used to offer and promote healthy snack choices by purchasing such items as non-fat flavored milks, whole grains and fruits and vegetables.

Grant dollars are also going to help get students moving by expanding the 100 Mile walking club.

Students will also be learning about making healthier choices throughout the year by participating in the Fuel Up to Play 60 program.

More than 70,000 schools across the United States are participating in Fuel Up to Play 60.

Fuel Up to Play 60 is designed to engage and empower youth to take action for their own health by implementing long-term, positive changes for themselves and their schools.

“Fuel Up to Play 60 has really taken off in Wisconsin. Wellness champions and students in more than 2,000 schools have embraced the program, and these funds will help many of the participating schools to do even more,” said Laura Wilford, Wisconsin Dairy Council director.

Schools, parents and students may visit www.FuelUptoPlay60.com to learn more about the program.

Fuel Up to Play 60 is sponsored locally by the Wisconsin Dairy Council and the nutrition education department of the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, a nonprofit organization funded by the state’s dairy farmers, which promotes the consumption of Wisconsin dairy products.