ALEXANDRIA, VA--(Marketwire - October 21, 2010) - 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.
Today, National PTA is announcing the 22 PTAs that will be given 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.
PTAs from across the country submitted grant proposals describing their plans to keep families healthy and active this November, and beyond. The following 22 PTAs from 17 different states were selected by National PTA to receive grants up to $1,000:
- Arroyo High School PTSA; El Monte, California
- Barcroft Elementary PTA; Arlington, Virginia
- Broadmor Elementary PTA; Tempe, Arizona
- Comanche Elementary PTA; Overland Park, Kansas
- El Marino Language School PTA; Culver City, California
- Hopkins Road Elementary PTA; Richmond, Virginia
- Huy Elementary PTA; Columbus, Ohio
- John R. Beatty PTA; Las Vegas, Nevada
- Kennedy Elementary PTA; Fargo, North Dakota
- Lowell PTA; Missoula, Montana
- Luther Jones PTA; Corpus Christi, Texas
- Mableton Elementary PTA; Mableton, Georgia
- MacArthur Academy PTA; Southfield, Michigan
- Madrona PTSA Seattle Council; Seattle, Washington
- Martin Elementary School PTA; Parkersburg, West Virginia
- Meadowvale Elementary PTA; Havre De Grace, Maryland
- Miami Lakes K-8 PTSA; Miami Lakes, Florida
- Michigamme Elementary PTA; Port Huron, Michigan
- Pine Forest PTA; Jacksonville, Florida
- Potterville Public Schools; Potterville, Michigan
- Price Elementary PTA; Louisville, Kentucky
- Tesuque Elementary PTA; Tesuque, New Mexico
To learn what schools are doing in your area, contact national PTA's Media Relations office.
About National PTA
National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of parent involvement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.
To view this release in a media-rich format, go to: http://www.pwrnewmedia.com/2010/pta_01021/index.html
Contact Information:
Contacts:
James Martinez
Cell: (571) 329-9352