ADA North East is gearing up for a significant change as it adapts its renowned "Fuel Up to Play 60" campaign into the new "Fuel Up" (Get Active) platform. With the start of the new school year, this transition comes as ADA North East aligns its strategies to meet the evolving demands of school nutrition. Under the leadership of CEO John Chrisman, this strategic shift aims to enhance student access to dairy and other nutritious foods in school meals while fostering increased physical activity. This transformation holds promise for an even more impactful outreach to the target audience, ensuring that nutritional goals are not only met but surpassed.
The re imagined "Fuel Up" platform retains its commitment to promoting nutrition and physical activity, while also introducing a greater emphasis on dairy education through teacher lesson plans and farm-to-school programs. ADA North East's dedication to supporting schools in offering healthy meals remains steadfast, with plans to expand program participation. With over 70% of schools in the region participating in the previous Fuel Up to Play 60 program, the impact on milk consumption among students was notable.
A fundamental change accompanying this transition is the shift from a partnership with the National Football League (NFL) to forging new collaborations that pave the way for jointly created programs focusing on youth wellness. Dairy Management Inc., the overseeing body of the Fuel Up program, is confident that this fresh approach will effectively address the evolving needs of schools and students.
Speaking on this transformative shift, Dairy Management Inc. CEO Tom Super shared his enthusiasm, stating that the new Fuel Up platform, set to launch officially in September 2023, is poised to be an invaluable resource for schools and students nationwide. In an era of dynamic change and evolving dietary needs, ADA North East's commitment to championing healthy choices for students remains unwavering. Through this innovative platform, they are poised to create a lasting impact on the nutritional landscape of schools across the country.
This evolution is not merely a change in name; it's a reflection of ADA North East's commitment to staying at the forefront of nutritional advancements. The "Fuel Up" platform doesn't just encourage physical activity; it educates, empowers, and engages students to make informed choices about their health. By infusing dairy education into lesson plans, students not only understand the nutritional value of dairy but also gain insights into where their food comes from – a crucial element in fostering a generation of conscious consumers.
The decision to transition from the NFL partnership to collaborative innovation underscores ADA North East's adaptability and vision. This shift opens the door to innovative collaborations that resonate with the aspirations of today's youth, ensuring that wellness remains a focus both on and off the field. The support of Dairy Management Inc. and its commitment to providing the tools and resources needed to guide children towards healthier lifestyles reinforces the potential of this new era.
In the face of ever-evolving nutritional landscapes, ADA North East's ability to anticipate trends and adapt strategies showcases its dedication to serving the needs of schools and students effectively. As the curtain rises on the new "Fuel Up" platform, a bright chapter unfolds – one where nutrition, education, and physical activity converge to shape a healthier, more vibrant future for the generations to come. With ADA North East leading the way, the journey towards better health and well-being is poised to be an inspiring and impactful one.
Sodexo's K-12 division is also working to address the challenges of the supply chain, labor shortages, and changing dietary needs of students.
- Supply chain challenges: The supply chain crisis has made it difficult for school food service operators to get the ingredients they need to prepare meals. Sodexo is working with its suppliers to secure a steady supply of food, and is also developing contingency plans in case of shortages.
- Labor shortages: The labor shortage is another challenge facing school food service operators. Sodexo is offering competitive wages and benefits to attract and retain employees, and is also working with schools to develop flexible work schedules that accommodate employees' needs.
- Changing dietary needs: The dietary needs of students are also changing. More students are now following plant-based diets, and there is also a growing demand for allergy-friendly and gluten-free foods. Sodexo is working to adapt its menus to meet the needs of all students.
- The new "Fuel Up" platform will also focus on increasing student awareness of the importance of making healthy food choices. This will be done through educational materials, such as posters and lesson plans, that will be distributed to schools.
- Sodexo is also working to develop new ways to serve meals to students. This includes using mobile carts to deliver meals to classrooms and offering virtual cooking classes to students.
- In addition to the challenges of the supply
chain, labor shortages, and changing dietary needs, Sodexo is also
facing the challenge of rising food prices. The company is working to
mitigate this challenge by negotiating better prices with suppliers and
by using more cost-effective ingredients.
American Dairy Association North East (ADA North East) stands as a testament to the unity and vision of dairy farm families across the region. This organization, fueled by the checkoff investment of participating dairy farmers, is a driving force dedicated to nurturing demand and increasing sales for milk and dairy products. Representing nearly 9,000 dairy farm families across Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and northern Virginia, ADA North East takes on the responsibility of developing and executing localized programs that invigorate milk and dairy sales both in retail settings and within schools.
To connect with American Dairy Association North East and learn more about their impactful initiatives, visit www.AmericanDairy.com or contact them at 315.472.9143. As an embodiment of dairy farmers' dedication, ADA North East strides forward, championing a future where dairy products are celebrated for their nourishing benefits and embraced by communities across the region.
–American Dairy Association North East