Marie Canon from West Middlesex, Pa., dairy farmer, and Pennsylvania Dairy Promotion Program board member, welcomed Fuel Up to Play 60 students from across the region to her farm in a live virtual visit, hosted by ADA North East. Canon talked about how farmers take care of their cows and land to help students make the connection to where their food comes from – and to build trust in dairy.
Emceed by former Philadelphia Eagle and dairy advocate Jason Avant, the high-energy celebration was designed to reward students for participating in Fuel Up to Play 60 from September to April, and for scoring a program “touchdown” for their schools. Touchdown status is earned by completing all three steps of the program by April 1. Nearly 600 students from 58 classes achieved Touchdown status this year!
“It was great to show these Fuel Up to Play 60 students our family farm to help connect them with where their milk and dairy products come from, and they should be very proud of themselves and their hard work to reach the ‘Touchdown’ level,” said Canon. “As a dairy farmer, I’m proud to support a program that teaches our students how to be active and to best fuel their bodies with healthy dairy products.”
Joining Canon and Avant in the event were special guests including Philadelphia Eagles mascot Swoop, former Baltimore Raven Sam Koch, and Washington Commanders dance troupe members who shared the important role dairy plays in their health to compete at a high level.