UDIM & Detroit Lions Partner to Launch Healthy Fueling Station at Westland High School

The Future of Student Nutrition: One Snack, One Sip at a Time!

(DETROIT, MI April 3, 2024) A wholesome wave of nutrition is sweeping over John Glenn High School with the launch of a brand new fueling station, a vibrant collaboration between the school, the Detroit Lions, and the United Dairy Industry of Michigan (UDIM). This innovative project was made possible thanks to a generous Detroit Lions Hometown Grant and matching funds from UDIM, totaling $20,000 in contributions.

This initiative is a testament to the power of nutrition and its pivotal role in student health and performance. A ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate this achievement is scheduled for Wednesday, April 3, at 11:00 a.m., at John Glenn High School, featuring representatives from the Detroit Lions, UDIM, school officials and students.

This state-of-the-art fueling station is designed to provide students with increased access to nutrient-rich foods, focusing on dairy, to support their health and wellness, especially after school. Key to this nutritional haven is the offering of chocolate milk, an excellent choice for students to refuel after practice and games, along with a variety of healthy, quick, grab-and-go items such as granola bars and fruit.

John Glenn High School Athletic Director Jason Malloy is considering future plans to introduce blenders for smoothies, turning the station into an oasis of wholesome delights. “We are incredibly grateful for the support from the Detroit Lions and UDIM,” said Malloy. “This fueling station is more than just a place to grab a snack; it’s a step towards ensuring our students have the energy and nutrition they need to excel both academically and athletically.” Malloy also added, “In addition to performance enhancement, we would like this fueling station to give our student athletes an experience that feels like college athletics.”

Situated in a strategic location where students naturally gather for practices and games, the station ensures easy access to healthy food options, aligning with the school’s commitment to nurturing a healthy, active lifestyle among its students. The fueling station marks a significant addition to the after-school meals already provided to students in the cafeteria, broadening the spectrum of nutritious options available on school grounds. “This fueling station is a fantastic way to ensure students have the energy and nutrients they need to excel both in and out of the classroom,” said Brianna Henton, UDIM Health & Wellness Director. “It’s about more than just food; it’s about building healthier habits and showing the students that nutritious snacks can also be delicious.”

About the United Dairy Industry of Michigan                                                            

The United Dairy Industry of Michigan (UDIM) is dedicated to serving Michigan’s hard-working dairy farm families and promoting Michigan’s locally produced dairy products. UDIM is the umbrella organization for the American Dairy Association and Dairy Council of Michigan. These non-profit organizations provide dairy product promotion and nutrition education services on behalf of their funding members.

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