MCC X-country team receives chocolate milk grant.

photo by Russ Miller

SCOTTVILLE — Mason County Central Cross Country team was named one of United Dairy Industry of Michigan’s (UDIM) Chocolate Milk: Nature’s Sports Drink grant recipients, which emphasizes good nutrition.

This fall, 50 Michigan high school sports teams were awarded funds to purchase and provide low-fat or fat-free chocolate milk to help their student athletes get the nutrition that they need after practices, games and competitions.

According to the United Dairy Industry of Michigan, chocolate milk is one of the most nutritious choices that students can make at home or at school. It’s a natural, nutrient-rich beverage and an excellent source of nine essential nutrients- calcium, potassium, protein, phosphorus, vitamins A, D, and B12, riboflavin and niacin – nutrients that students need for good health.

“According to the 2010 Dietary Guidelines, Americans of all activity levels over the age of 8 should include 3 servings of low-fat or fat-free milk or milk products in their diet every day. Chocolate milk is a nutritious option to help meet these recommendations,“ said Amy Viselli, registered dietitian with UDIM, “And what’s really great about chocolate milk is that it packs a powerful nutrient punch, it’s affordable, and it tastes great.”

“Over the last three years, this grant has been successful in nearly 200 schools across Michigan,” states Viselli. “We’re happy to see the impacts that it has had on the overall nutrition of many student athletes already, and we can only hope that it will continue to gain momentum.”

To build awareness around the importance of the good nutrition, the Chocolate Milk: Nature’s Sports Drink prize pack includes promotional items. such as t-shirts, foam footballs, cinch bags, and nutrition education materials. Winning teams will also receive posters of their Chocolate Milk Mustache Celebrities photos to display around town.

“This is our second season of receiving this amazing grant from the United Dairy Industry of Michigan,” said coach Ed Sanders. “We truly love all the benefits that come from the grant, especially the nutritional value it brings to my exceptional dedicated runners. After each practice and meet, my runners are given chocolate milk to drink for immediate recovery to replenish fluids and nutrients lost during their workout or race.

“I have found that because of the chocolate milk grant, my athletes have recovered better than past seasons. Plus, they seem to work harder in practice knowing that chocolate milk is waiting for them.

“We have passed out t-shirts at our homecoming parade, and given out slap bracelets at our sixth grade mile run. We plan on throwing out footballs at a future football game.

“I am so thankful for this grant and especially grateful to the United Dairy Industry of Michigan for offering such an amazing and beneficial opportunity. This grant and promotional items allow my athlete’s and the student body to experience firsthand the benefits of chocolate milk as a recovery drink. This grant will also teach the student/athlete’s the benefits of chocolate milk for the entire lifetime.”