Beef as a source of protein focus of partnership

10 South Dakota high school football teams join effort to encourage young athletes and their families to eat beef

Beef as a source of protein focus of partnership

Ten South Dakota high school football teams will be part of a promotional effort this fall to encourage youth athletes and their families to eat beef as part of their diet and as a way to improve their performance on the field.

The South Dakota Beef Industry Council approached the Sanford Sports Science Institute with the idea to start the pilot program in the state for high school students with the potential to be expanded nationally.

The schools chosen to take part this fall in the effort, called Build Your Base With Beef, were chosen based on interest in the program:

  • Alcester-Hudson
  • Centerville
  • Custer
  • Harding County
  • Selby Area Schools
  • Sioux Falls Lincoln
  • Sioux Falls Roosevelt
  • Timber Lake
  • Warner
  • Winner

Jack Link’s will donate 10,000 pieces of beef jerky to the schools as part of the program. Sanford Health will make a monetary contribution to the schools to help cover the cost of beef for the team. The South Dakota Beef Industry Council will also make a financial donation to the schools and offer education about beef as a source of protein and recipes for families.

“The program will not only affect the athlete but their families and those around them,” said Thayne Munce, associate director of the Sanford Sports Science Institute.

Goal is education

The main goals of the program are to educate students and families on nutrition, inform them about what the “performance plate” should look like and learn what methods of consumption each school finds most beneficial.

While the institute won’t measure win/loss records or the athletes themselves, it will survey the students to gather what they eat before and after games and practices, and their main source of protein. The post survey will be more geared toward what methods of consumption each athlete liked best and what they will continue to do.

“Sanford believes strongly in the health and well being of the community we serve and we are excited to fully support this program,” Munce said.

Sanford dietitians hope the educational aspect helps the students and their families figure out the right portions of food and what should be eaten.

The program will present information in a manner that may appeal to the players actually wanting to know more about their food intake. Sanford Health also wants to open more doors to talk about nutrition and add an outlet for the players to discuss what they think is necessary.

Posted In Community, Healthy Living, News, Sports Medicine