The NFL and dairy farmers team up to promote activity and nutrition in youth

A national nonprofit founded by American dairy farmers and the NFL used the buzz surrounding the NFL Draft to shine a spotlight on child hunger.

GENYOUth helps schools with tools and resources to provide students with greater access to nutrition and physical activity. They hosted the “Taste of the Draft,” drawing approximately 900 people to enjoy a night of dining and networking in downtown Green Bay.

The group’s CEO says this is a unique partnership between a giant like the NFL and dairy farmers.

“It is, and the NFL and Dairy are both committed to youth wellness. Dairy farmers wake up every day - all farmers, really - to produce and nourish families across the country, including youth. And the NFL, very much a proponent of physical activity, and they know that for physically active children, they need the fuel to be their best,” said Ann Marie Kroutheim.

The proceeds from the “Taste of the Draft” will go straight to providing nutrition for kids in school.

“What we’re all doing here at the Taste of the Draft is all net proceeds will stay in the state of Wisconsin. We’re committed to supporting 90 schools. It’s the 90th NFL Draft. 50,000 students will be reached through the 90 schools that are receiving the grants through this effort and increase access to over 13 million school meals, which include fruits, vegetables, dairy, as well as whole grains and lean protein.”

GENYOUth has impacted more than 30 million students since its founding, with a focus on improving school nutrition and increasing physical activity opportunities for youth.

Related Stories
Alan Bjerga, Senior Vice President of Communications with the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), shares updates and resources available to dairy producers.
A fast-moving series of trade signals from the White House and key partners is resetting the near-term outlook for U.S. agriculture.
The government shutdown has touched nearly every sector of the ag industry since it began, and now impacts are spilling over into dairy.
Industry leaders say $11 billion in new investments could turn the tide as dairy producers face shrinking margins and growing uncertainty.
Alan Bjerga with the National Milk Producers Federation joins us to discuss the idea behind the campaign and why accurate labeling on plant-based beverages matters to both consumers and dairy producers.
Cottage cheese sales are on the rise across the U.S., and industry leaders believe interest on social media is contributing to the surge in consumer demand.
Tammi Arender takes us to 3 Board Farm to meet some first-generation farmers who took a leap of faith and, in the process, found a new purpose.
The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) is urging Congress and the Trump Administration to act quickly on behalf of American agriculture.
Considering raising your own replacements instead of buying bred heifers? Three key factors to consider before investing capital.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Large-scale land purchases signal rising competition for ranchland, reinforcing its value while reshaping long-term access and control in rural agriculture.
Brian Earnest, an animal protein economist with CoBank, shares insights into current demand trends and the challenges facing broiler production.
Jack Hubbard, with the Center for the Environment and Welfare, shares context and perspective on the controversial letter about Prop 12 circulating in Washington and how a review shows it misled the public.
AFBF Economist Faith Parum discusses the financial challenges currently facing farmers and the Farm Bureau’s 2026 outlook for the farm economy.
From tariff talks in Europe to SCOTUS uncertainty and rising farm losses, analysts say policy and global supply will shape grain markets in the year ahead.
Ethanol and corn groups are not hiding their disappointment over new reports that the bill to allow year-round E15 sales failed as Congress forges ahead on government funding, with another shutdown looming.
Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
“Somewhere West of Wall Street” is simply the most recent addition to the long list of noteworthy accomplishments by the Renaissance cowboy, singer-songwriter, poet, author, and show host Red Steagall. Join Red and his quarter horse, Grey Dog, as they explore the people, places, and stories of the American West.
“Texas Our Texas” – a magical place. A place of land and legend. A place like no other. People come here to touch it, to feel the passion, to soak it in and be a part of it. Hosted by Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller. Let’s ride!
“Positively Paula,” is a nationally-syndicated lifestyle/food show that invites viewers to share a moment with their friend: Paula Deen, who we know and love.
Each week, “Rural Heritage” on RFD-TV treats its viewers to stories of farmers borrowing from yesterday to do the work of today. Using hand tools, natural farming methods and draft animal power, these men and women successfully compete with their neighbors who instead employ large, expensive modern machinery and rely on chemical fertilizers and insecticides to grow their crops.
Strong rural traditions, religion, cowboy boots, and technology collide in “Cowboy Church” — and taking part is as easy as turning on the TV!