Atlanta Falcons player, mascot and cheerleader visit Graysville Elementary

RINGGOLD, Georgia(WDEF) – The NFL along with the Southeast United Dairy Industry Association is helping children who attend Catoosa County public schools.

Friday morning, Atlanta Falcons kicker Matt Bryant and Falcons mascot "Freddie Falcon", along with one of the team’s cheerleaders paid a visit to Graysville Elementary School in Ringgold.

During their visit, the members of the Atlanta Falcons helped hundreds of Graysville students understand the importance of daily exercise.

"It’s a good feeling to help these kids and give them the knowledge that will help them out in the future; to help them grow; to have a good lifestyle and to make good choices so they can be better down the road," said Bryant.

Making good choices includes proper nutrition, which is why the NFL has teamed up with the National Dairy Council to form a program called "Fuel up to Play 60." The program not only endorses exercise, it also endorses a healthy breakfast as an important meal that every child should have.

"It’s important that students start their day fueled for success so that they can perform better in the classroom," said Southeast Dairy Association Director Molly Szymanski.

According to Szymanski, an average of 60-percent of Georgia children do not start the day with a healthy breakfast that includes protein, whole grains and fruits. In Catoosa County alone, school leaders told WDEF that more than 50-percent of the students qualify for free and reduced lunch. That means many students are likely going without breakfast.

"Sometimes parents have a hard time being able to provide those nutritious meals for their children. Now that participation has increased for breakfast and lunch, we know those needs are being met," said Catoosa County Schools Superintendent Denia Reese.

Help has arrived for children attending Catoosa County public schools. The district was awarded a $60,000 grant from the "Fuel up to Play 60 program." Reese said the money will be spent wisely.

"It’s going to pay for new equipment for our cafeterias. It is going for incentives for our students to promote and motivate them to eat breakfast here at school."

According to a recent study, students who eat breakfast have better attention and memory in the classroom.