Some kids in Pflugerville got a special, guest visitor today. George Selvie, Dallas Cowboys Defensive End, was at Ruth Barron Elementary Thursday morning encouraging kids to eat a healthy breakfast.
"It's important for us because, as in recent years, they're saying now kids are obese so having the opportunity with Fuel Up to Play 60 to come out here and talk to the kids, letting them know that eating healthy is great, you know their gonna try to go out there and do it," said Selvie.
The visit was part of the national Fuel Up to Play 60 program that gives funding to schools for healthy eating and wellness initiatives, such as offering free breakfast to all students. The program is sponsored by the National Dairy Council and the NFL. According to Barron Elementary Principal, José Medina, the school participated in an application process for the visit and was the only school in Central Texas selected.
During his time with the kids, Selvie helped a group of students make yogurt and fruit parfaits, signed a healthy-eating pledge, and engaged in a little friendly competition with Principal Medina. The football player says he wishes someone had taught him how to eat healthy as a kid.
"I was eating Burger King, pizza for breakfast," he said "But you need to fuel your body and your body is your temple."
Schools funded by Fuel Up to Play 60 report that students eat 92% more fruit and 86% more vegetables under the program.
