American Dairy Association North East hosted its first-ever virtual Fuel Up to Play 60 (FUTP 60) Summit for 46 student ambassadors and nine program advisors from throughout the region. Madrid, N.Y., dairy farmer Kelsey O’Shea, an advocate for the program, joined the conference from her freestall barn at Maple View Dairy. She talked about her farm and cows, and how they produce safe, wholesome milk for the students to enjoy. O’Shea also encouraged them to join her in a few dance moves from the feed alley in the barn!
FUTP 60 is a partnership with National Dairy Council and the National Football League (NFL) and two of our NFL supporters — Pittsburgh Steeler Cameron Heyward and former New York Giant Amani Toomer — joined the summit as well, bringing excitement for the students and recognizing American Dairy Association North East for its efforts in providing the program and reminding the students to eat healthy and stay active — especially while school is out.
An in-school youth development program in 11,000 schools in our region, FUTP 60 connects the importance of exercise and good nutrition and helps serve as a gateway to establish school breakfast programs where we are able to sell more milk, cheese and yogurt. Students groups haven’t been able to meet face-to-face because of the COVID-19 pandemic, so we gathered them together virtually.