Message #71 From:
NewsBot Date: December 5, 2006 11:51:00 AM
GIS News Champions for Healthy Kids Marks Five Years of Impacting Youth Nutrition and Fitness
MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--General Mills Foundation and the American Dietetic Association
Foundation in partnership with the President’s
Challenge are accepting applications for the 2007 Champions for Healthy
KidsSM Champions Awards. Since 2002, General Mills has invested more
than $8 million in youth nutrition and fitness programs that have served
more than 150,000 children across the country. Each year the Champions
program awards 50 grants of $10,000 each to schools and community
groups. This year’s application is available
on www.generalmills.com. The
entry deadline is Feb. 1, 2007.
Grant recipients have used the dollars to advance the health and
well-being of kids in their communities. Teaching kids about healthy
snacks, trying new vegetables, or navigating obstacle courses are a few
examples. Community organizations have used the dollars for training
peer educators who deliver health education. Sports equipment including
basketballs, soccer balls and jump ropes were distributed by a hospital
to the community as a result of the grant.
“The American Dietetic Association Foundation
believes Champions for Healthy Kids promotes the type of activities that
have the greatest potential to make a positive, lasting impact on
children’s health and fitness,”
said Registered Dietitian Neva Cochran, Chair of the American Dietetic
Association Foundation. “By utilizing the
expertise of a registered dietitian in every program, kids learn how
nutritious eating can taste good and physical activity can be fun.”
Utilizing its resources and expertise on nutrition issues, the ADAF
plays a critical role in evaluating the grant proposals. In addition to
the grants, the General Mills Foundation provides support for up to
50,000 young people who participate in the President's Challenge and
earn the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award for their commitment to a
physically active and fit lifestyle.
“It is our intention to build local
connections and, most importantly, to help instill good, healthy
lifestyle habits that will last a lifetime for America's kids,”
Ellen Goldberg Luger, General Mills vice president and executive
director of the General Mills Foundation. This is a long-term,
multifaceted commitment toward that goal, and we are proud to partner
with the American Dietetic Association Foundation and the President's
Challenge on this important effort."
Any community-based, nonprofit organization or agency is eligible to
apply in this annual program for one of 50 grants of up to $10,000 each.
Preschools, as well as elementary, middle and high schools are eligible.
Among the requirements for receiving a General Mills Champions grant was
that the program must include a strong nutrition education component and
that a registered dietician be an integral part of the program's
planning and program activities.
About General Mills
General Mills is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of consumer
foods products, with annual worldwide net sales of $12.5 billion. Its
global brand portfolio includes Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Green Giant, Häagen-Dazs,
Old El Paso, Bugles and more. It also has more than 100 U.S. consumer
brands, more than 30 of which generate annual retail sales in excess of
$100 million. Included in the U.S. portfolio are some of the nation’s
most popular brands including Cheerios, Wheaties and other Big G cereal
brands; Yoplait and Colombo yogurts; Betty Crocker desserts and dinner
mixes; Betty Crocker and Nature Valley snacks; Totino’s
frozen pizza and snacks; and Progresso ready-to-serve soups. General
Mills also is a leader in the bakeries and foodservice business.
About The American Dietetic Association Foundation
The American Dietetic Association Foundation is the philanthropic arm of
ADA. It is a 501(c)(3) charity devoted exclusively to nutrition and
dietetics. The Foundation funds scholarships and awards, education and
research projects, and ADA strategic initiatives that promote optimal
nutrition health and well-being of the public. It is the largest
provider of scholarships and awards in the field of dietetics.
About the President’s Council on Physical
Fitness and Sports
The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports (PCPFS) serves as
a catalyst to promote, encourage and motivate Americans of all ages to
become and stay physically active, fit, and healthy. The President's
Challenge Physical Activity and Fitness Awards Program (the President's
Challenge), a long-standing program of the PCPFS, motivates more than 5
million youth each year to be physically fit and active and awards them
presidential recognition for their commitment.
Editors Note: For photos, additional Champions For Healthy Kids success
stories, or for programs in your community, please contact Heidi Geller
at 763-764-5836.
