ALEXANDRIA, VA--(Marketwire - Oct 19, 2011) - Today, National PTA® announced the 10 PTAs that will receive a Healthy Lifestyles Grant to promote good nutrition and physical activity in honor of PTA Healthy Lifestyles Month, November.
The grants are up to $1,000 in funding and allow PTAs to implement five research-based strategies, including: limiting sugar sweetened beverages, emphasizing fruits and vegetables, moderating portion sizes, increasing physical activity, and reducing screen time.
"While childhood obesity continues to grow and one in three children is overweight, PTAs across the country are taking action. We are proud to help elevate their efforts with these grants," said Betsy Landers, National PTA President. " Research shows that a child's physical well-being has a significant effect on their learning, so we urge all PTAs and school communities to engage families, teachers, administrators and students in creative programs that encourage the school community to be active and eat healthier."
PTAs from across the country submitted grant proposals describing their plans to keep families healthy and active this November and throughout the school year. The following 10 PTAs were selected to receive grants up to $1,000:
- Classical Center at Vial PTA; Garland, Texas
- Cleveland Heights/University Heights Council of PTAs; University Heights, Ohio
- Clinton Elementary PTA; Clinton, Utah
- Coronado Elementary PTA; Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Crested Butte Community School PTSA; Crested Butte, Colorado
- Cynthia Heights Elementary School PTA; Evansville, Indiana
- J. Allen Axson PTA; Jacksonville, Florida
- Kraft Elementary PTA; Hampton, Virginia
- South Side Elementary PTA; Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
- Stonewall PTA; Lexington, Kentucky
In all, the 10 grantees expect to impact approximately 11,000 students through their programs that will take place from November 2011 through April 2012. PTAs will work with families and schools on different year-round efforts, including: experimenting with diverse fruits and vegetables from other countries; teaching students about preventative health; walking challenges; healthy cooking classes; healthy behaviors workshops; learning and integrating farming practices; physical activity pledges and more.
National PTA's Healthy Lifestyles Program is sponsored by Malt-O-Meal®, a Proud National Sponsor of National PTA. Visit www.PTA.org/healthylifestyles to learn more about the Healthy Lifestyles Grant program.
About National PTA
National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of parent involvement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.
To view this release in a media-rich format, go to: http://www.pwrnewmedia.com/2011/national_pta/healthy_lifestyles_grant/index.html
Contact Information:
Contact:
James Martinez
Cell: (571) 329-9352