Steelers' Beachum Kicks Off New Breakfast Program At Aiken Elementary

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- As a Pittsburgh Steeler, Kelvin Beachum knows just how important the first meal of the day is.

"I really love fruit and I love hot cereal. I love the oatmeals; I love grits; I love Cream of Wheat," said Beachum.

Beachum visited Aiken Elementary in the Keystone Oaks School District to kick off the "It Starts with School Breakfast" campaign.

The program is all about getting kids to eat a nutritious breakfast before class.

"Breakfast is important to me because I like drinking the milk and it keeps me healthy and active," said student Katie O'Brien.

Aiken Elementary just recently launched a breakfast program offering students healthy options like fruit and yogurt. Studies show there is a direct link between breakfast consumption and student achievement.

"They grab their breakfast after they get off the bus in the morning and they are able to have their exercise period in the morning, and then go right to class and eat their breakfast at their desk," said Kevin Lloyd, the food service director at Keystone Oaks.

In addition to fueling up with good foods, Beachum burned some calories with the kids.

He encouraged every child to get at least 60 minutes of activity a day, even if it's just dancing.

While the topic is a serious one, the kids and Beachum say they had a lot of fun.

"To be able to slap a Steelers' hand, to hug a Steeler… I get a lot of hugs when I come to elementary schools, so to be able to get a hug from these kids, it's a wonderful thing," Beachum said.

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