When Ann Marie Krautheim asked how many Duquesne City middle school students have played flag football before, only a handful of kids raised their hands.

But when she followed up asking how many enjoyed playing the sport, those same hands remained in the air.

At Duquesne on Tuesday, the NFL and youth fitness and wellbeing organizations announced the distribution of school meal equipment to 91 schools in the region, and the launch of the NFL flag football in-school program.

It coincided with the NFL Draft, to be held Thursday through Saturday in Pittsburgh.

“This program will continue to bring the flag (football) in-school program into schools across the country,” said Krautheim, CEO of GENYOUth, a nonprofit focused on combating food insecurity and encouraging youth to live healthy lives. “It will expand, so students just like you will have the opportunity to move during the school day.”

The NFL’s Flag-In-School program has distributed more than 40,000 flag football kits to schools across the country since 2014.

Krautheim said GENYOUth wanted to expand the program because one in four children nationwide do not get the recommended hour of daily physical activity.

“Here at Duquesne, we are strong believers in our critical role of nutrition, physical activity and building strong students,” said Superintendent Sue Mariani.

The NFL awarded 91 grants in conjunction with this being the 91st NFL Draft. Schools will buy new nutrition equipment, including “Grab and Go” carts that increase access to and participation in school meals.

Grant amounts are $2,500. They were funded by the “Taste of the Draft” event, being held Wednesday at PNC Plaza in Pittsburgh.

Former Steelers quarterback Charlie Batch emphasized to students the importance of eating healthy.

“We want to make sure you are getting the best grade possible, and that starts with making sure that you fuel your body,” he said.

The NFL also took students beyond promoting physical health. Duquesne students Christian Blair and Shania Mervis participated in a panel discussion discussing mental health and wellbeing, along with NFL vice president of wellness and clinical services Dr. Nyaka NiiLampti, former Steelers player Arthur Moats and Leslie Graham, chief programming officer for Action for Healthy Kids.

Asked how people can encourage their friends to build healthy habits, Christian said: “Be yourself and think with your own mind.”

The messages resonated with Davhon Jackson, 14.

“Breakfast is important,” said Davhon, an eighth grade student. “I should eat breakfast more.”

Davhon was impressed by the anticipated magnitude of the NFL Draft, estimated to attract more than 500,000 people to Pittsburgh. Tuesday’s event was also memorable.

“It’s cool they’re doing this,” he said. “They could have picked anybody, but they picked us.”