Did you know that nearly 1 in every 5 school-aged children in the United States has obesity? Children with obesity are at risk of having chronic health issues such as asthma, type 2 Diabetes, sleep apnea, and heart disease among several others.
Parents can be a powerful force for change in schools, especially when it comes to starting health and wellness programs. Ensuring that our kids are eating healthier foods, learning about nutrition, and being more physically active in school not only sets them up to learn lifelong healthy habits but, according to a growing body of research, it helps them be better prepared to focus and learn in class. Studies also show when parents are involved in a child’s education, their children demonstrate higher academic achievement, better attendance, better social skills, better-eating habits, increased physical activity and less emotional distress.
Parents for Healthy Kids Grant
Yet, despite wanting to do what’s best for students’ health, many schools lack the necessary resources to implement health and wellness practices that help students eat better and stay physically active. That’s why Action for Healthy Kids (AFHK) has announced a new Parents for Healthy Kids grant just for parents for the 2018-2019 school year. The grants, which are provided through funding from ALDI, are designed for parents, caregivers, and parent-groups to lead school-based physical activity and nutrition initiatives.
Reams Road Elementary School
Have you ever thought of starting a school garden? Perhaps you’d like to encourage kids to eat more fruits and veggies at school lunch, or finding ways to ensure they get more physical activity in and get the wiggles out. If so, this grant opportunity is for you! Do you have ideas to improve school and student health? AFHK wants to help. In addition to providing schools with needed funding (grants up to $1,000), AFHK provides grantees with technical support and resources to activate their grants successfully.
Get Involved
Parents can learn more and apply for a grant by April 13, 2018, by visiting ParentsforHealthyKids.org/Grants. While you’re there, check out the resources that help you get involved in school health, and sign up to receive news your family can use to create a healthier school and home, today!
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