Steelers’ Kelvin Beachum talks to kids about eating a healthy breakfast
Students at Fred L. Aiken Elementary School in Green Tree were told to dress in their Pittsburgh Steelers Gear on March 4, but they were not told why. The surprise was revealed when Steelers’ offensive lineman Kelvin Beachum walked through the doors the gym and into what the kids thought was just another ordinary school assembly.
“If you love milk, say ‘Oh yeah!'” Beachum encouraged the kids during the assembly, which stressed the importance of eating a healthy breakfast to start the day.
The event at the Keystone Oaks Elementary School was part Fuel up to Play 60, which was created by the NFL and the National Dairy Council to encourage healthy eating habits in kids. The campaign stresses the importance of eating low-fat and fat-free dairy products, fruits, veggies and whole grains.
“If you like fruit, say “Heck yeah!” Beachum told the kids.
About a month ago, Aiken Elementary began offering students breakfast at school, which includes a variety of grab-and-go items such as cereal, milk and fruit. Students in all of the Keystone Oaks schools have access to unlimited fruits and vegetables with their school meals.
The event also celebrated National School Breakfast week, which ran March 3-7. Beachum was welcomed by Aiken principal Mark Iampietro, Keystone Oaks food service director Kevin Lloyd and superintendent Dr. William P. Stropkaj.
“We need to stress the importance of eating breakfast with parents and kids,” Beachum said. “I really enjoy breakfast.” He said eating a healthy breakfast was important before he played in the NFL, but now it’s even more so.
“I try to eat things that are very healthy and good for you,” he said. Beachum said his favorite thing to eat for breakfast is oatmeal with cinnamon and brown sugar and fruit like blackberries or blueberries. He said when he’s in a hurry, he still eats a healthy breakfast like yogurt mixed with granola.
“It was really awesome,” said fifth-grader Daniel O’Brien. He said he eats breakfast every morning and his favorite thing to have is scrambled eggs.
“It was cool,” said Molly Cicco, who is in fifth-grade. She said she loves whole-grain pancakes with syrup for breakfast. She added she had no idea a Steelers player was coming to her school. “They just told us we were having an assembly.”
Beachum encouraged the kids to eat breakfast, drink milk and eat fruits and vegetables. He also had a chance to exercise with the students in the form of dancing to songs like “Gangnam Style.”
Students were then given breakfast, which consisted of cereal, fruit and milk.