This season, New England Dairy & Food Council (NEDFC) will be rooting for their new Fuel Up to Play 60 Player Ambassador #43, defensive back and special teamer for the New England Patriots, Nate Ebner!
NEDFC and the New England Patriots are partners in the national in-school physical fitness and nutrition program Fuel Up to Play 60. The program encourages youth to fuel up with healthy foods and be active for 60 minutes every day. Locally, the New England Dairy & Food Council and New England Patriots support Fuel Up to Play 60 programs in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. 
Nate Ebner is a 2012 graduate of Ohio State University. He joined the Buckeyes as a walk-on his junior year and quickly became one of their best special team players. He currently serves as a defensive back and special teamer, covering punts and kickoffs for the Patriots. In his sixth NFL season, Ebner is a two-time Super Bowl Champion.
As a lifelong athlete, professional football player, and US Rugby Olympian, Ebner understands the importance of a balanced diet.
“I rely on three nutritious meals a day to fuel me though everything I have to accomplish,” Ebner explained, “Learning how to make informed decisions about wellness is huge when it comes to lifelong health. And if you’ve got 60 minutes to scroll through social media on your phone – you’ve definitely got 60 minutes to dedicate to getting outside and getting active.”
Fuel Up to Play 60 is designed to engage and empower youth to take action for their own health by implementing long-term, positive changes for themselves and their schools.
“We are so excited to welcome Nate as our new Player Ambassador. Nate will be a face and voice for our program throughout schools in New England,” said Carly Ciarletta, Manager of Business & Community Partnerships for NEDFC, “It’s critically important for our local students to have a positive and interactive role model, and someone who lives by the ideals of this program every day.”
Fuel Up to Play 60 is made possible and supported by dairy farming families across the country and here in New England. They understand the importance of establishing healthy lifestyles at an early age.
Nearly 74,000 schools across the United States, including nearly 3,600 here in New England, are participating in Fuel Up to Play 60. Developed by the National Dairy Council, local Dairy Councils, and National Football League, in collaboration with United States Department of Agriculture, the program empowers students to drive change and work closely with educators to find creative ways to make their school a healthier place.
