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Super School Breakfast promotes dairy ahead of Super Bowl

The Minnesota Super Bowl Host Committee’s Super School Breakfast initiative is highlighting the importance of dairy products as part of a nutritious diet to children throughout the state.

The program, funded by the NFL Foundation, General Mills, and the Minnesota Vikings, will reach 52 Minnesota communities leading up to Super Bowl 52 in Minneapolis next February.

Midwest Dairy Council health and wellness manager Alex Larson says it’s a natural fit with the successful Fuel Up to Play 60 healthy eating campaign for kids.

“We really encourage them to eat breakfast because that’s their way of getting fuel to kick off their day and learn in the classroom.  And what’s great about school breakfasts is that they serve milk, so it’s a great tie-in for our dairy farmers.”

The National Dairy Council and NFL jointly launched the Fuel Up to Play 60 program to encourage youth to consume nutrient-rich foods and achieve at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day.

Larson tells Brownfield elementary, middle and high school students in Minnesota will learn about the many benefits of dairy through this effort.

“It offers essential nutrients, so you’re getting a real convenient package of a lot of nutrition for kids so they can start their day off right.  It’s a great source of protein, vitamins and minerals (as well).”

Last week, Willow Creek Middle School in Rochester received a $10,000 dollar Super School Breakfast grant to be used for upgrading cafeteria equipment and infrastructure so that more students could take advantage of in-school breakfast.