The New Jersey Department of Agriculture’s Jets PLAY 60 Eat Right, Move More Program in partnership with the American Dairy Association & Dairy Council, Inc. (ADADC) encourages New Jersey school children to take advantage of healthy foods in their school cafeterias and become more active through grant incentives and Jets player visits.
According to officials, the campaign asks schools to challenge their students to get 60 minutes of physical activity every day and invites schools to submit their most creative cafeteria meal menus in an effort to determine ten New Jersey schools each year that go above and beyond state and federal guidelines.
The NY Jets and ADADC provide grants to the winning schools, which can be used for cafeteria infrastructure improvements and physical education equipment. Three schools are awarded “Division Champion” grants of $5,000 and a Jets player visit. Linden High School was one of those three schools to be awarded this Grant. Newark Arts High School was presented the award in 2016.
"Our staff and students at Linden High School went above and beyond in an effort to set ourselves apart from our competition. Students were challenged to keep a daily log of their physical fitness activities every day for 60 minutes over 60 days. Students are tested in their physical levels throughout the school year, which is incorporated within Teacher Student Growth Outcomes" a Linden school official said.
Linden High School’s Food Service Department, Pomptonian, will use the opportunity to expand and enhance our salad bar, as well as offering a fresh “grazing” toppings bar. Funds would be applied towards the purchase of a portable, refrigerated salad bar unit.
This will enable us to offer an additional promotional station where we’ll serve “made to order” featured salads, filled w/ nutritious choices, similar to a Salad Works concept.