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Wins grant

 Connecticut dairy farmer Kies Orr of Fort Hill Farms in Thompson, center, and New England Dairy & Food Council dietitian Amanda Aldred , right, present a $5,695 check to Food Service Director Jeanette LaPlume, left, for Putnam’s Fuel Up to Play 60 initiatives. Courtesy photo.

 

 

PUTNAM — The Putnam Public Schools was awarded a $5,695 Fuel Up to Play 60 grant from New England Dairy & Food Council and Connecticut dairy farmer Kies Orr of Fort Hill Farms in Thompson. 

The funds will increase the number of summer meals sites throughout the district, purchase coolers to keep milk and other items chilled, and hot holding containers to expand the menu’s offerings and the ability to serve hot meals.

Fuel Up to Play 60 is a nationwide, student-led, in-school physical activity and nutrition program. Funding for this program is provided by the dairy farm families of Connecticut through a partnership between the Connecticut Milk Promotion Board and New England Dairy & Food Council.

“Summer meals provide vital nutrients for growing kids while school is not in session,” said Amanda Aldred, RD, SNS, program manager, School Nutrition with New England Dairy & Food Council. 

“Keeping children on track with their nutrition throughout the summer is key so that they are constantly reminded what foods are part of healthful meals.”

For instance, more than 60-percent of kids aged 4-18 years nationwide don’t consume the recommended daily amounts of dairy. (2) 

Bones are growing throughout adolescence, so the coolers that will be purchased for Putnam’s summer meals sites to help keep dairy chilled will help ensure children don’t miss out on building strong bones.