WESTPORT, Conn., Oct. 23, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Newman's Own Foundation, the organization started by the late actor and philanthropist Paul Newman, today announced that it is making nearly $4 million in grants over a two-year period to 40 U.S. nonprofit organizations that run nutrition programs. This is in addition to $1 million already granted to nutrition programs earlier this year.
The grants will go to organizations that focus on areas including: nutrition education for children and families; child nutrition with a focus on feeding hungry children and/or reducing childhood obesity; and fresh food access for underserved communities.
The 40 organizations receiving grants over the two-year period are located across the U.S. and have developed innovative programs that are helping to advance nutrition awareness, education, and fresh food access. Most of them are taking a grass-roots approach in helping to solve problems, one community at a time.
"We are inspired by the dynamic and creative approaches that are growing in the nonprofit sector to help combat some of the most challenging issues around nutrition," said Lisa Walker, Managing Director of Newman's Own Foundation. "The Foundation's work in this arena is intended to increase the momentum that is building around the country to help create more delicious and healthy choices."
Nutrition is one of four focus areas supported by Newman's Own Foundation. The other areas are: "Encouraging Philanthropy," "Empowerment," and "Children with Life-Limiting Conditions." The Foundation chose nutrition because it is an area that Paul Newman originally supported, and one with opportunities for the Foundation to have significant impact.
"For decades, Paul Newman and Newman's Own have supported organizations working to prevent hunger, such as food banks, soup kitchens, and pantries," Walker said. "Today, the needs are becoming more complex with hunger and obesity escalating, and we're seeing a lack of access to nutritious food. We are pleased to support organizations that are impacting these areas."
Paul Newman established Newman's Own Foundation in 2005, as a means of continuing his pledge to donate to charity all net profits and royalties from the sale of Newman's Own products. Since the food company's founding in 1982, Newman and Newman's Own Foundation have donated more than $350 million to thousands of charities worldwide.
Examples of the nutrition grants just announced include:
- Edible Schoolyard NYC – bringing its health and wellness program to East Harlem students in grades K-8, including lessons in the school garden and kitchen.
- Wholesome Wave – providing seed funding for food hubs in New England, which increase the regional supply of locally grown nutritious food.
- The Food Trust – improving healthy food access and education for underserved children in Philadelphia, PA.
- Urban Dove – promoting nutrition and fitness among at-risk youth in New York City through a comprehensive in-school program.
- National Relief Charities – giving Native American teenagers in Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota the tools to make nutritious food-shopping choices with limited resources and to prepare healthy, delicious meals.
- FirstLine Schools / Edible Schoolyard New Orleans – expanding nutrition-based wellness programs to five area schools.
- People's Grocery – supporting the Growing Justice Institute in Oakland, CA, helping community leaders develop income-generating projects that improve access to nutritious foods.
About Newman's Own Foundation
Paul Newman was committed to helping make the world a better place. To carry on his philanthropic legacy, Newman's Own Foundation turns all net profits and royalties from the sale of Newman's Own products into charitable donations. To date, Paul Newman and Newman's Own Foundation have given over $350 million to thousands of charities around the world. For more information, visit www.newmansownfoundation.org.
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