Release No. 0416.09
Contact:
Susan Acker (703) 305-2286
AGRICULTURE SECRETARY TOM VILSACK ANNOUNCES $5.8 MILLION IN NUTRITION GRANTS TO IMPROVE HEALTH OF AMERICA'S CHILDREN
Team Nutrition Initiative Helps Combat Childhood Obesity, Promote Physical Activity to Enable Better Future for Nation's Youth
WASHINGTON, Sept. 1, 2009 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today awarded approximately $5.8 million in Team Nutrition Training Grants to 18 states to help children develop good nutrition and physical activity habits for healthier lifestyles. This funding provides schools with nutrition education materials for children and parents as well as technical assistance for communities and school food service providers.
"Improving the overall health and well-being of America's children is a top priority of the Obama Administration as we work to confront the obesity epidemic that affects too many of our children," said Tom Vilsack. "We must continue encouraging children to eat healthy and to engage in daily physical activity to help them stay healthy and strong and reduce their risks for obesity."
Team Nutrition is a key component in the efforts of USDA's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to enhance children's lifelong eating and physical activity behaviors by incorporating the principles of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and MyPyramid.
States will provide training and technical assistance to food service staff in preparing more fruits and vegetables, whole-grain products, and other healthier foods during the two-year grant period. The grants also support efforts to help schools reach out to parents, teachers, caregivers, and others to capitalize on the positive role-model potential they have for children.
In addition to Team Nutrition, FNS encourages elementary schools to take the HealthierUS School Challenge, promotes the use of USDA Foods, and provides schools with technical assistance to create and maintain healthier school environments and to implement their wellness policies.
The 18 states receiving grants are:
Delaware - $335,418
Florida - $349,920
Georgia - $342,284
Idaho - $240,214
Indiana - $282,037
Illinois - $348,404
Iowa - $349,685
Kansas - $349,630
Maryland - $339,602
Michigan - $350,000
Missouri - $349,987
Montana - $344,737
Nebraska - $326,635
North Dakota - $274,245
Ohio - $226,461
South Carolina - $345,170
South Dakota - $350,000
Wisconsin - $342,512
More information on the Team Nutrition Training Grants and how schools can become Team Nutrition schools is available at http://teamnutrition.usda.gov .
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