Although Halloween may bring more treats than tricks for kids this year, families will have plenty of ways to refocus on health and nutrition. That’s because PTAs across the country are creating meaningful initiatives that make eating and living healthy fun again in the spirit of National PTA’s Healthy Lifestyles Month, November.
National PTA has awarded 22 PTAs grants of up to $1,000 to conduct activities that promote good nutrition and physical activity to address the nation’s growing childhood obesity epidemic. Through the PTA Healthy Lifestyles Grant Program, PTAs across the country are working to increase access to and awareness of healthy foods, increase physical activity for students and families, provide healthier food in schools, and engage family members in promoting physical activity and healthy eating habits.
“It’s no secret that we have a childhood obesity epidemic in this country. Statistics show that over the past three decades, childhood obesity rates in America have tripled and nearly one in three American children is overweight or obese,” said Charles J. “Chuck” Saylors, National PTA President. “So, we’re proud of all the PTAs across the country who are taking the initiative to help keep our kids healthy. Because instead of just talking and worrying about this problem, these PTAs are doing something about it.”
As research continues to show that a child’s physical well-being has a significant effect on their learning and long-term success, PTAs are working with families and schools to build community gardens, provide nutrition classes, hold family meal makeover sessions, and implement many more programs that will promote health and wellness.
Congratulations to Maggie Memmott Walsh, Joan Salavtere and Alicia Martin for shepherding this through to success.
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