CHICAGO (September 21, 2016)–Action for Healthy Kids® and its partner, GoGo squeeZ®, the makers of all-natural squeezable applesauce and yogurt, have announced the 50 recipients of the GoGo squeeZ-funded School Grants for Healthy Kids for the 2016-2017 school year. Awarded in 16 states, the Game On Grants aim to expand studentaccess to physical activity and healthy foods in school, improve knowledge and behaviors around healthy snacking and engage parents in activities that reinforce healthy habits at home. To help AFHK and GoGo squeeZ kick off a healthy start to the school year, Olympic Gold Medalist, three-time Olympian and child nutrition advocate Dominique Dawes visited the students at P.S. 6 Norma Adams Clemons Academy in Brooklyn, New York today.

P.S. 6 is using its Game On grant to conduct nutrition education and healthy food taste tests for all of its students, integrate running programs into physical education (PE) classes, establish an after-school running club, and provide professional staff development on how to incorporate daily physical activty opportunities into the classroom. As the GoGo squeeZ Goodness Ambassador, Dawes helped students participate in an energizing brain break activity and spoke to them about the importance of good nutrition and physical activity, whether for aspiring young Olympians or active elementary school students.

“It was an honor to be part of the Game On grants event at P.S. 6 and to see the positive impact GoGo squeeZ and our partners, Action for Healthy Kids and Dominique Dawes had on the students,” said Philippe Harousseau, CMO, GoGo squeeZ. “Our mission at GoGo squeeZ is to make it easier for kids and families to be a little healthier and happier every day. Through our work with Action for Healthy Kids, we hope that more kids will learn lifelong healthy habits, and we look forward to seeing how all the funded schools utilize their grants this year.”

As part of a broader partnership with AFHK, the 50 GoGo squeeZ-funded Game On grants provided to schools nationwide can be used for a variety of wellness purposes that introduce students to the value of an active, healthy lifestyle, including:

• Physical activity: Funding for physical education, active indoor and outdoor recess, classroom energizers, walking and running clubs, and before- and after-school programs
• Nutrition education: Supplemental nutrition education, school gardens, taste tests, healthy snacking, and healthy classroom parties and celebrations

“Exposing kids to physical activity and healthy eating at an early age is vital to set them up for success in school and help them build healthy habits for life,” said Rob Bisceglie, CEO, Action for Healthy Kids. “We are thrilled to be able to provide even more schools this year with the funding and resources they need to implement essential health and wellness programming, thanks to the support of GoGo squeeZ.”

“I was taught at a very young age that fueling my body for success was important and I’m excited to be working with GoGo squeeZ and Action for Healthy Kids to pass down that same knowledge and help kids develop healthier habits,” said Dominique Dawes, Olympic Gold Medialist, child nutrition advocate and GoGo squeeZ Goodness Ambassador. “One small change can make a significant difference in a child’s life and I hope that with the help of the Game On grant, the students at P.S. 6, and all kids, continue to make healthy choices to fuel their success.”

AFHK provides technical assistance to help schools successfully implement their grants and utilize AFHK’s Game On program to advance their school’s health and wellness environment. For a complete list of schools funded by GoGo squeeZ, and to learn more about the partnership between AFHK and GoGo squeeZ, visit actionforhealthykids.org/GoGosqueeZ.

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 and physical education for all students. With funding opportunities, expert technical assistance, and our flagship program, Game On, Action for Healthy Kids provides full support to schools and families to develop healthy school environments where children thrive. To learn more about the ways our 100,000+ volunteer network is helping to make every kid healthy, active and ready to learn, visit us at ActionforHealthyKids.org, on Facebook (act4healthykids) and on Twitter (@Act4HlthyKids).

About GoGo squeeZ®
Since 1998, GoGo squeeZ® has been the leading squeezable, all natural, 100 percent fruit applesauce in a pouch. With over 2 billion of our innovative pouches sold to on-the-go families around the world, our team of responsible farmers, growers and employees take care in the products we deliver to consumers and customers. GoGo squeeZ is the perfect on-the-go snacking solution, featuring more than 20 SKUs of squeezable applesauce in a variety of flavors. Each GoGo squeeZ pouch is crafted with the highest quality natural ingredients sure to suit the needs of both kids and grownups. For more information on GoGo squeeZ and to purchase its product collections visit gogosqueez.com.