Action for Healthy Kids and National PTA Launch Parents for Healthy Kids Initiative

Action for Healthy Kids (AFHK) and National PTA have teamed up to support parents in creating healthier schools through a new initiative, Parents for Healthy Kids. Parents for Healthy Kids features a website, online community forum, trainings and grants to educate, engage and empower parents nationwide to improve school and student health.

Evidence shows children who attend schools that promote physical activity and healthy eating perform better academically. Healthy school environments also set the stage for children to adopt a healthy lifestyle into adulthood. However, studies and statistics show many schools face challenges when it comes to implementing policies and programs that help address childhood obesity and enhance learning. Additionally, according to a survey* conducted by AFHK and National PTA, nearly all parents said they are concerned about the future of school and student health in the U.S.

"Parents and parent groups are a powerful force for change in schools and can help bring together school staff, other parents and community partners to improve student health and learning. We are excited to be able to help mobilize parents around school health issues through Parents for Healthy Kids in collaboration with National PTA and our generous sponsor, ALDI," said Rob Bisceglie, CEO, AFHK.

At ParentsforHealthyKids.org parents can:

• Learn how to engage with school leaders and decision makers on health issues
• Find ways to help bring more physical activity and healthy eating to the school day
• Share opinions, exchange ideas and connect with like-minded parents in a community forum
• Be inspired by stories from parents nationwide and share their own
• Find tips and ideas for reinforcing healthy habits at home

School grants, trainings and workshops for parents are also being provided as part of the initiative. For the 2017-2018 school year, 150 schools have been awarded grants, providing funds and technical support to the schools and parent groups to implement health and wellness programs that include a family engagement component.

"PTA leaders, members and families play an important role in helping schools create and maintain healthy practices that contribute to the well-being and long-term success of our nation's children. We are pleased to team up with Action for Healthy Kids and ALDI to equip parents and schools with resources to engage families and provide a healthier environment for all students," said Jim Accomando, president of National PTA.

Parents for Healthy Kids is sponsored by ALDI, one of America's leading grocery stores. ALDI's support of the initiative builds on the company's commitment to helping children and families live healthy lives.

"Since we began working with Action for Healthy Kids in 2011, we have seen firsthand the great work schools and parents can do when supported with the right tools. We're honored to help bring new resources to parents nationwide and continue to support schools and families in the communities where we operate," said ALDI spokeswoman Liz Ruggles.

For more information, visit ParentsforHealthyKids.org. A complete list of schools awarded ALDI-funded grants can be found at ActionforHealthyKids.org/ALDI.

*A survey of 558 parents of kindergartners through sixth-graders was conducted among members of Action for Healthy Kids and National PTA in February 2017.

About Action for Healthy Kids
Action for Healthy Kids is a nationwide grassroots network mobilizing school professionals, families and communities to take actions that improve school foods, nutrition education, physical activity and physical education for all students. Through funding opportunities, expert technical assistance, and our flagship program, Game On, Action for Healthy Kids supports schools in developing healthy environments where children thrive. To learn more about the ways our 120,000+ volunteer network is helping to make every kid healthy, active and ready to learn, visit us at ActionforHealthyKids.org, on Facebook (facebook.com/act4healthykids) and on Twitter (twitter.com/Act4HlthyKids).

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 family engagement 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.

About ALDI Inc.
A leader in the grocery retailing industry, ALDI operates more than 1,600 U.S. stores in 35 states. More than 40 million customers each month save up to 50 percent* on their grocery bills, benefiting from the ALDI simple and streamlined approach to retailing. ALDI sells the most frequently purchased grocery and household items, primarily under its exclusive brands, which meet or exceed the national name brands on taste and quality. ALDI is so confident in the quality of its products, the company offers a Double Guarantee: If for any reason a customer is not 100 percent satisfied with any ALDI food product, ALDI will gladly replace the product and refund the purchase price. For the seventh year in a row, ALDI was recognized as a value leader among U.S. grocery stores by Market Force Information survey of U.S. consumers. For more information about ALDI, visit aldi.us.

*Based upon a price comparison of comparable products sold at leading national retail grocery stores.

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SOURCE Action for Healthy Kids

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