Midwest Dairy is working hard to grow trust with youth inside and outside the classroom by sharing dairy’s sustainable nutrition story. Having access to nutrient-rich foods is important to athletes. We are finding avenues to introduce them to the unique nutritional characteristics of dairy by connecting with coaches and teachers who may impact them.
Making grilled cheeses with the Minnesota Vikings
Using Midwest Dairy’s Fuel Up to Play 60 Player Ambassadors’ authentic voice to reach Gen Z students and build trust has proven successful. We recently paired Minnesota Vikings Dalvin Tomlinson with Registered Dietitian Kennedy Haney along with two high school culinary students from Sauk Rapids-Rice High School as they made grilled cheese sandwiches.
The fun and interactive educational video featured discussions on fueling up, farming and football and targeted middle and high school Family and Consumers Science (FACS) and ag teachers to share. Minnesota Ag in the Classroom and the State Department of Education FACS coordinator promoted the video through their teacher channels, and Tomlinson also shared the video on his respective Twitter and social media platforms. Click here to watch the Dalvin Cooking and Conversations video.
Midwest Dairy included a fun contest for both teachers and students thirteen and over to get into the “game” and show off their creativity and culinary skills to create their custom grilled cheese in celebration of National Grilled Cheese Day on April 12 (see contest rules). The contest ran from March 16 through April 15 and gave students the chance to earn signed NFL merchandise and teachers a customized Viking cheese board and utensils. Additional resources are included in the video to continue the conversation on dairy and sustainable nutrition.
Chalk Talk with the Chicago Bears and high school coaches
Midwest Dairy hosted Illinois High School Association (IHSA) coaches at Halas Hall in April. Attendees had the opportunity to hear from and ask questions to the Chicago Bears Jenn Gibson, Lamar “Soup” Campbell, and Jeff Joniak about nutrition and leadership.
The coaches represented schools from across the state of Illinois and multiple sports. Jenn gave tips on making sure their athletes get proper nutrition before and after games and recommended natural protein that you get from milk in the form of shakes or chocolate milk.