RENO –– On Thursday the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) joined a campaign to fight and defeat childhood obesity in cooperation with the NFL, National Dairy Council, multiple health organizations and several major corporations. The campaign, known as Fuel Up to Play 60, is funded with an initial private sector financial commitment of $250 million over five years by America’s Dairy Farmers. Funding is expected to grow as government, business, communities and families join this effort to improve nutrient-rich food choices and achieve 60 minutes of physical activity each day among children.

More than 60 percent, or 58,000, of the nation’s 96,000 private and public schools are currently enrolled in Fuel Up to Play 60. In northern Nevada, 100 schools representing approximately 5,000 students in grades four through 10 now participate in the program.

“Fuel up to Play 60 is the right combination to energize our kids and help them learn to make great choices for nutrition and physical activity, not only at school but also at home” stated Libby Lovig, RD, vice president for Dairy Council in Nevada.

“Today is a significant milestone in the fight against childhood obesity because this unprecedented partnership will help educate our youth about steps they can and should take to lead healthy lives,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “Increasing access to more nutrient-rich foods and physical activity in America’s schools is no simple task, and will require the combined effort of private and public interests. Partnerships like these, combined with a strong re-authorization of the Child Nutrition Programs, can make a significant difference in our battle against childhood obesity.”

Vilsack joined Roger Goodell, the NFL Commissioner, and Tom Gallagher, the CEO of Dairy Management Inc., the managing organization for National Dairy Council, at a New York City public school to support and promote the initiative.