CHICAGO (November 3, 2016) – Action for Healthy Kids® (AFHK) and National PTA have teamed up to support schools in creating healthier environments and help children and families develop healthy lifestyles. To kick off the program, 25 schools will receive Game On Grants for the 2016-2017 school year. The grants, funded by ALDI, aim to expand student access to in-school physical activity and healthy foods, improve knowledge and behaviors around exercise and nutrition, and provide funding and support to PTAs and other parent groups in engaging parents and families in these efforts both at school and at home.

“Parents are a powerful force for change in schools and can help bring together school staff and community partners to create healthier learning environments for students,” said Rob Bisceglie, CEO, Action for Healthy Kids. “The complementary missions of AFHK and National PTA, combined with the ALDI commitment to helping all families live healthier lives, makes our collaboration and these grants powerful tools, starting with these 25 deserving schools.”

Through its Game On program, AFHK provides schools with technical support to activate their grants, assistance with developing their school health teams and assessing their school health environment, as well as other tools and resources. Twenty-five schools in five states—California, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri and Texas—will each receive up to a $1,000 grant that will be used for a variety of wellness purposes including:

• Nutrition education, school gardens, taste tests, and healthy classroom parties and celebrations that introduce students to the value of a healthy lifestyle; and
• Funding for physical education, active indoor and outdoor recess, classroom energizers, walking and running clubs, and before- and after-school programs.

“Ensuring children have access to physical activity and nutritious foods in schools is critical to their success and to set the stage for a healthy lifestyle into adulthood,” said Laura Bay, president of National PTA. “PTA leaders, members and families play an important role in helping schools deliver physical activity programs and implement improved meal offerings. We are pleased to team up with Action for Healthy Kids and ALDI to equip PTAs and schools with resources to engage families and provide a healthier environment for students.”

“In working with Action for Healthy Kids over the years, we know firsthand the great work schools can do when supported with the right resources and people power,” said ALDI spokeswoman Liz Ruggles. “This new collaboration with Action for Healthy Kids and National PTA truly demonstrates what it means to bring schools, parents and community partners together to make a difference in the lives of children and families. We’re honored to be able to support families in the communities where we operate.”

For more information and a complete list of schools awarded Game On Grants for the 2016-2017 school year, visit www.actionforhealthykids.org/ALDI.

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 100,000+ volunteer network is helping to make every kid healthy, active and ready to learn, visit us at www.ActionforHealthyKids.org, on Facebook (act4healthykids) and on Twitter (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 nearly 1,600 US stores in 34 states. More than 32 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 must 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. ALDI was honored with the 2015 Supermarket News Retail Achievement Award, recognizing the company for its ongoing business expansion and product evolution. For more information about ALDI, visit aldi.us.