Shaw’s Supports In-School Nutrition Program

Shaw’s Supermarkets has partnered with New England Dairy & Food Council to provide $65,000 in grants to New England schools participating in the Fuel Up to Play 60 program (FUTP60). FUTP60 is an in-school nutrition and physical activity program launched by National Dairy Council and National Football League that encourages students to eat healthy and be active for 60 minutes every day.

“FUTP60 is a natural fit for Shaw’s because we are dedicated to delivering fresh, healthy and delicious food for our customers and their families,” said Jennifer Shea, Shaw’s Supermarkets registered dietitian. “We are proud to be involved in this program that teaches kids the importance of developing life-long healthy eating and physical activity habits. In addition to the FUTP60 program, we also offer healthy eating tours for kids and have an in-store better-for-you food finder called nutrition iQ, created to help families identify healthy foods throughout the store.”

Throughout 2011 and 2012, the Boston-based supermarket chain has sponsored multiple promotions in their dairy aisle highlighting FUTP60. Participating dairy products were featured in-store and a portion of proceeds from these products were contributed to FUTP60 grants supporting local schools. Shaw’s was also the official sponsor of student engagement activities and rewards, called Challenges.

FUTP60 grants have been awarded to schools in New England that have a solid plan to make positive changes in their nutrition and wellness environment. Examples include starting a Breakfast in the Classroom program, implementing a walking club before or after school, or holding in-school taste tests that allow students to try new, healthy foods. The ultimate goal of the grants is to ensure changes made at school are sustainable, making it possible for children to have more opportunities to be physically active and choose nutritious foods such as low-fat and fat-free dairy, fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

FUTP60 is an in-school nutrition and physical activity program launched by National Dairy Council and National Football League, in collaboration with U.S. Department of Agriculture. More than 72,000 schools across the country, including more than 3,500 schools in New England, are currently involved in FUTP60.