Middle School Honored in Eat Right Contest.

Thomas A. Edison Central Six Middle School was honored Friday, May 18, by the New Jersey Department of Agriculture and Jets' offensive tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson for being one of the five winning schools in the 2011-2012 Eat Right, Move More contest.

The Eat Right, Move More program is a partnership between the Jets, the Department of Agriculture and the American Dairy Association & Dairy Council’s Fuel Up to Play 60 campaign.  The Eat Right, Move More program encourages New Jersey school children to: (1) take advantage of healthy foods in their school cafeterias, and (2) become more active.

This year’s emphasis on selecting the five winning schools focused on menu changes to include more fresh fruits and vegetables; a greater variety of vegetables; legumes; and more whole grains.  The selection also focused on the school menus’ emphasis on improved nutrition and increased student physical activity.

The Jets regularly promote youth health, fitness, and education, particularly in disadvantaged communities.  The Eat Right, Move More campaign began in 2006 and Ferguson has at all times been its spokesman.

The New Jersey Department of Agriculture’s school nutrition policy is the most comprehensive in the nation and covers pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students.  The policy limits fat and sugar content in all foods offered at schools.

Assistant Principal Steven Melendez said the middle school has noticed positive changes in students' food choices.  The cafeteria offers a salad bar with fresh fruits and vegetables every day to its 478 sixth grade students.  

Not surprisingly, almost all hands went up when Ferguson asked the crowd "who here has had fruit today?"

Ferguson explained:  “I continue to be impressed by the creativity and dedication that schools are demonstrating in the Eat Right Move More program."  Indeed, Ferguson told the crowd that "As always, I am excited to go out to schools, like Thomas A. Edison, to congratulate everyone here in person on their accomplishments."

Ferguson also inspired the crowd by telling of problems he overcame in life, including open heart surgery when he was in the third grade (and then convincing his mother, with doctor approval, to be allowed to play football).  Ferguson stressed the importance of exercise and eating right.  He spoke of how much he enjoyed playing sports growing up, including basketball (though he was not as good at it as he was and is in football).  Finally, he explained how one can learn life's lessons from playing team sports.

The kids loved every moment.  They were especially thrilled to ask him questions and win prizes (footballs and caps) provided by the Jets. Christopher thought is was great that he won a Jets hat for remembering that Ferguson can do 60 push-ups.  The Jets provided mementos for every student to remind them of the importance to Eat Right, Move More.