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ACFN Applauds General Mills Champions for Healthy Kids Grant Program
Posted June 30, 2006

ACFN recognizes The General Mills Foundation, along with its partnering organizations, in their efforts in educating over 150,000 children on the importance of nutrition and physical activity.

In 2002, the General Mills Foundation, in partnership with the American Dietetic Association Foundation (ADAF) and the President’s Challenge, developed the Champions for Healthy Kids grant program to help educate and provide nutrition and fitness tools to young people. The program has invested more than $8 million in youth nutrition and fitness programs.

“We are pleased to be General Mills’ partner in promoting healthy lifestyles for children by helping them develop eating and exercise habits that will keep them fit and reduce their risk of chronic diseases and weight problems later in life,” said Neva Cochran, R.D., chair, ADAF.

In 2006, the grant program awarded fifty community-based organizations and schools across the country with $10,000 to support and improve their programs. Each program is required to incorporate a fitness and nutrition component in their program and operate with the guidance of a dietetic professional. Since its inception in 2002, General Mills Champions for Healthy Kids has invested more than $8 million in youth nutrition and fitness programs that have served more than 150,000 children across the United States.

“General Mills has always believed in the fundamental importance of nutrition and exercise, especially for children. Young people need to understand what makes up a balanced diet, the importance of variety and moderation, and how absolutely necessary it is to incorporate much more physical activity into their daily routine. We know from numerous studies that a child’s diet and level of activity affects his or her school performance, mental and emotional well- being and long-term physical health.” said Chris Shea, senior vice president, external relations, General Mills, Inc.

“General Mills Champions for Healthy Kids grants promote the type of activities that the American Dietetic Association Foundation believes hold the greatest potential to have a positive, lasting impact on young people’s nutrition and physical activity,” said Cochran.

For additional information on the Champions for Healthy Kids grant program please click here.

Click here to read full story on “Children from New Mexico to New York Learn How to Eat Healthy and Stay Fit with the General Mills Champions for Healthy Kids Program.”