Busy People Promote Fuel Up to Play 60

My grandpa Dankers often said, "If you want something done, ask a busy person." I thought that was, and is, such a profound thought. Way to go grandpa! Since then, I discovered (thanks Google) it wasn't grandpa that came up with these words of wisdom. It may not have been a grandpa Dankers "original" but it is still profound, so thanks, Mr. Benjamin Franklin.

I recently spent time with some of the busiest, and fun people I know- 
Fuel Up To Play 60 program advisers. 

Fuel Up To Play 60 is a program funded by the National Dairy Council and the National Football League in collaboration with USDA, that empowers students to take charge in making small, everyday changes at school. 

A recent training was held to equip these volunteers (yes, I said volunteers) in ways to implement the program to encourage students to change the way they look at food and nutrition, and change their attitudes about physical education. 

 We at Bremer Farms are proud to be a part of this program that promotes healthy foods and healthy activity. Dairy foods are a perfect fit in the Fuel Up To Play 60 program. 

I was given the opportunity to represent Minnesota's nearly 3,400 dairy farmers at this training event, complete with a milk toast honoring dairy farmers contributions to healthy eating and Fuel Up To Play 60.

Now that training is complete, each program adviser will head back to their school to fire-up their students about FUTP60.

I was invited by Harriet Bishop Elementary to attend their Fuel Up To Play60 kick-off event! A healthy breakfast complete with strawberry-banana smoothies, time to visit with the students about my life as a dairy farmer, a question and answer time, and they even made a video of my visit! Take a peek...

 
I am grateful for the program volunteers who dedicate their time and talents to a program that encourages healthy eating and exercise. Thanks also to the National Football League, our Minnesota Vikings, and my fellow dairy farmers for recognizing the value in Fuel Up To Play 60.

Click here to learn more about my involvement in...

 

This And That Thursday - 12

 A little bit of this and a little bit of that- here's what we've been up to.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day were spent with family and close friends. Church on Christmas Eve is always the program put on by the Sunday School children. After many years of watching the program from the viewpoint of a nervous parent and a somewhat stressed Sunday School teacher, it was fun to just sit back and enjoy the program this year. Sara and Michael, however, are the teen leaders at our church, so that meant coordinating the teens in the nativity pageant. Very little stress there, since they work with a super bunch of teens! 

After pushing my chair away from the table upon completing my Christmas feast, I swore I wouldn't need to eat for another week. Guess what? That thought lasted until the next mealtime. If you still have Christmas goodies to enjoy, don't forget the milk. Santa always drinks milk with his cookies, and I would consider him an authority on the subject!

And lastly, here's another news story, Vikings Pride Meets Dairy Pride about our farm visit from MN Viking Toby Gerhart . Our local newspaper  did a great job on covering our big day. Thanks, Katrina!

Visit Dairy Makes Sense  

to learn more about dairy farming and the importance of dairy in your day.

This And That Thursday -11

A little bit of this and a little bit of that- here's what we've been up to. 

Jan, Toby Gerhart, Sara, Michael, John

This past Tuesday was our visit from Minnesota Viking football player Toby Gerhart. You can read about it on my post, It's Toby Day!  Our day was well covered by lots of media including television, radio, magazines and newspapers. I have listed several links here if you would like to learn more about Toby's day at Bremer Farms.

Hoard's Dairyman- NFL player visits Minnesota dairy farm

Minneapolis StarTribune- Meet Toby Gerhart...Dairy Farmer?

KSTP-5 TV- Toby Gerhart Visits Dairy Farm

Minnesota Farm Network- Bremer Farms, Hastings Enjoy Visit by Minnesota Viking Toby Gerhart

The Viking Age- Toby Gerhart Becomes A Dairy Farmer For a Day  
ESPN- Around The Horns- Gerhart's Day At The Farm

StarTribune/Video- Toby Gerhart Feeds Calves On A Dairy Farm

Besides Toby Gerhart, Tuesday also brought my rewards from Redhead Creamery, the on-farm cheese factory that I supported on KickStarter. I'm all about supporting new businesses, and when that new business includes dairy, I'm doubly excited. Thanks for my t-shirt, apron and cutting board, Alise and Lucas, I can't wait to taste the cheese next Spring! You can learn more about Redhead Creamery here.

Visit Dairy Makes Sense  

to learn more about dairy farming and the importance of dairy in your day.

Farm 2 School And A Vote Too

 

October is National Farm to School Month, a time to celebrate the connections that are happening all over the country between schools and local food!

Carolyn Hudson, RD, Midwest Dairy supervises the cow milking.

Minneapolis (Minnesota) Public Schools recently hosted a Farm to School Community BBQ to raise awareness about recent efforts to improve the amount of healthy, locally grown foods in school meals. Nearly 1,000 students, parents, teachers, and community members gathered together to enjoy farm fresh food, learn about farm animals and crops, and hear about the exciting Farm to School activities coming up this school year. I was invited by Midwest Dairy to attend the BBQ to speak to folks about life on a dairy farm, and the importance of dairy foods. I was joined by Bessie the cow, who was happy to let everyone try their hand at milking her.

Numerous studies have found healthy eating behaviors contribute to better academic performance. As a dairy farmer, I know the importance of enjoying 3 servings of dairy each day to receive 9 essential nutrients. And milk is not just for school students either. Moms, dads, grandmas and grandpas too-you never outgrow the need for dairy in your diet!

Thanks to Minneapolis Public Schools for letting me (and Bessie) 

share our Farm To School story. 

 

Also, my family would appreciate your vote in the Show Your Pride contest where we show our enthusiasm for the Minnesota Vikings and

 Fuel Up To Play 60. The winner receives a farm visit from an NFL player! 

Please vote. (Hint-hint...you can vote everyday).