CONGRESS APPROVES $70 MILLION FOR MUCH NEEDED PHYS. ED. PROGRAMS

Washington, D.C., January 29, 2004 - The American Council for Fitness and Nutrition (ACFN) applauds Congress for increasing the funds for the Carol M. White Physical Education for Progress (PEP) Grants by nearly 20 percent to $70 million as part of the 2004 Omnibus Appropriations Act.

"We are proud supporters of the annual PEP program. It gets larger each year, and we are pleased to see local communities applying for, and capitalizing on, government funds that are readily available for physical activity and nutrition education efforts," said ACFN Chair Susan Finn, Ph.D., R.D. "PEP funding is an important tool for communities who are committed to achieving a healthy and balanced lifestyle."

Each spring, local education agencies and community-based organizations nationwide will submit applications to the U.S. Department of Education to be awarded a share of the PEP funds. The grants typically range from $100,000 to $500,000 and are used to help pay the federal share of the cost to initiate, expand or improve physical education programs - including after school programs - for students K-12. Last year more than 250 recipients received PEP grants.

Awarded by the U.S. Department of Education, the grants help provide equipment and support to facilitate physical activity in school systems and to encourage student participation in physical activity programs. Additionally, award funds can be used to supply training and education for school staff.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN COUNCIL FOR FITNESS AND NUTRITION: The American Council for Fitness and Nutrition (ACFN) is a non-profit organization that brings together food and beverage companies, associations, and health and nutrition advocates to work toward viable long-term solutions to the nation's obesity epidemic. ACFN represents a diverse group of organizations and is guided by an advisory board of experts in the fields of nutrition, physical activity and behavior change. ACFN works with partners to raise awareness of programs and policies that seek to improve health and wellness in America. For more information, please visit www.acfn.org.