ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. – Yogurt, cheese, milk … the options are endless when it comes to cooking with dairy products. And to prove just that, the Dairy Council of Florida is now accepting recipes for its fourth annual Gridiron Cooking Challenge, a fun-filled cooking competition for elementary and middle school students throughout Florida.
The initiative, which is designed and supported by the Florida Dairy Farmers, is part of Fuel Up to Play 60, an in-school nutrition and physical activity program launched by the National Dairy Council and NFL to help encourage today’s youth to lead healthier lives.
Elementary and middle school students in groups of four are encouraged to create and submit a healthy, original recipe that prominently features dairy products. The deadline for submissions is March 3, 2017.
The top four student teams in each Florida NFL market – represented by the Miami Dolphins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Jacksonville Jaguars – will compete for the grand prize at the Gridiron Cooking Challenge as they cook their recipe on-site in less than 60 minutes. The students’ creations will be judged by a select group of distinguished professionals including NFL players, Florida Dairy Farmers, Fuel Up to Play 60 student ambassadors and health professionals.
The winning team in each NFL market will receive a prize pack for their school valued at up to $2,500. Each student on the team will receive an iPad mini, among other prizes.
“Every year, we look forward to reviewing the new and creative ways students include dairy in their recipes,” said Michele Cooper, CEO of Florida Dairy Farmers. “The Gridiron Cooking Challenge is a great opportunity for students to demonstrate the versatility and nutritional value of dairy products as we continue to encourage a healthy and active lifestyle.”
Recipe entry forms can be found on the Florida Dairy Farmers website, and can be submitted via mail or email. For more information, visit www.floridamilk.com.
About Dairy Council of Florida
The Dairy Council of Florida works with schools, health professionals, social service agencies and others to educate Floridians on the health benefits of milk and other nutrient-rich dairy foods. Dairy Council of Florida programs are funded by Florida Dairy Farmers, which represents more than 130 dairy farming families throughout the state. For more information, call 407-647-8899 or visit www.floridamilk.com.
About Florida Dairy Farmers
Florida Dairy Farmers is Florida’s milk promotion group, working to raise awareness of the dairy
farming industry and the nutrient-rich foods it provides. FDF represents more than 130 dairy farming families throughout the state. For more information, call 407-647-8899 or visit www.floridamilk.com.
About Fuel Up to Play 60
Fuel Up to Play 60 is an in-school nutrition and physical activity program launched by National Dairy Council and NFL, in collaboration with the U. S Department of Agriculture, to help encourage today’s youth to lead healthier lives. In Florida, 2.5 million students in 3,100 schools participate in Fuel Up to Play 60.
Source: Dairy Council of Florida
