Nothing says fall in Western New York like colored trees and crisp air.
On Tuesday, Oct. 18, that was certainly the case as the Buffalo Bills, the United Way of Buffalo & Erie County and the American Dairy Association North East hosted the annual Hometown Huddle event for 40 students from Southside Elementary (Buffalo Public School #93) at Richmond Dairy Farm in North Collins, N.Y.
Three Bills players joined the American Dairy Association North East and United Way for the annual Hometown Huddle event in conjunction with the Fuel Up to Play 60 program with a visit to a local Dairy Farm.
In conjunction with the Fuel Up to Play 60 program, the students learned the importance of incorporating dairy products and exercise into their diet, as well as the rich history of the farm. Joining the students for their special outing were Bills kicker Dan Carpenter, long snapper Garrison Sanborn and safety Aaron Williams.
The Richmond Dairy Farm has been a staple in the Western New community since it was established by the Richmond family in 1835. Several generations later, head farmer John Richmond and his family continue to produce quality products. Home to over 400 animals, the farm proved to be a unique experience for the children.
"…A lot of kids don't have any family or friends that have a farm, so it's our job to teach them what happens at the farm level to know that they are getting nutritious and quality food to eat," said John Richmond. "It's nice to have a bunch of people out here that have no farm background and teach them a little about farming. I think it's really good (Fuel Up to Play 60) and they were reminding them too about the importance of exercising along with eating correctly," said Richmond.
Throughout the day the students completed various exercises while they enjoyed interactive activities such as, a tour of the farm, the chance to feed a calf, and watching the Bills players milk a cow.
"It was great to be able to come out here," said Sanborn. "First we fed some calves milk, which was great because it showed the responsibility involved with raising animals and being able to go from calf to dairy cow, to getting your milk to the table. So, it was really neat from that perspective. Then we got to learn what kind of nutrition…is important for these cows as well, because they have to have the right amount of nutrients to produce good milk and be healthy. So, it really shows what we need to do with our bodies too. We got to show the kids that and they got to learn firsthand..."
