Champions for Healthy Kids Marks Five Years of Impacting Youth Nutrition and Fitness.

Grant Application Deadline Feb. 1, 2007

MINNEAPOLIS -- General Mills Foundation and the American Dietetic Association Foundation in partnership with the President's Challenge are accepting applications for the 2007 Champions for Healthy KidsSM Champions Awards. Since 2002, General Mills has invested more than $8 million in youth nutrition and fitness programs that have served more than 150,000 children across the country. Each year the Champions program awards 50 grants of $10,000 each to schools and community groups. This year's application is available on www.generalmills.com. The entry deadline is Feb. 1, 2007.

Grant recipients have used the dollars to advance the health and well-being of kids in their communities. Teaching kids about healthy snacks, trying new vegetables, or navigating obstacle courses are a few examples. Community organizations have used the dollars for training peer educators who deliver health education. Sports equipment including basketballs, soccer balls and jump ropes were distributed by a hospital to the community as a result of the grant.

"The American Dietetic Association Foundation believes Champions for Healthy Kids promotes the type of activities that have the greatest potential to make a positive, lasting impact on children's health and fitness," said Registered Dietitian Neva Cochran, Chair of the American Dietetic Association Foundation. "By utilizing the expertise of a registered dietitian in every program, kids learn how nutritious eating can taste good and physical activity can be fun."

Utilizing its resources and expertise on nutrition issues, the ADAF plays a critical role in evaluating the grant proposals. In addition to the grants, the General Mills Foundation provides support for up to 50,000 young people who participate in the President's Challenge and earn the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award for their commitment to a physically active and fit lifestyle.

"It is our intention to build local connections and, most importantly, to help instill good, healthy lifestyle habits that will last a lifetime for America's kids," Ellen Goldberg Luger, General Mills vice president and executive director of the General Mills Foundation. This is a long-term, multifaceted commitment toward that goal, and we are proud to partner with the American Dietetic Association Foundation and the President's Challenge on this important effort."

Any community-based, nonprofit organization or agency is eligible to apply in this annual program for one of 50 grants of up to $10,000 each. Preschools, as well as elementary, middle and high schools are eligible. Among the requirements for receiving a General Mills Champions grant was that the program must include a strong nutrition education component and that a registered dietician be an integral part of the program's planning and program activities.

About General Mills

General Mills is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of consumer foods products, with annual worldwide net sales of $12.5 billion. Its global brand portfolio includes Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Green Giant, HEnagen-Dazs, Old El Paso, Bugles and more. It also has more than 100 U.S. consumer brands, more than 30 of which generate annual retail sales in excess of $100 million. Included in the U.S. portfolio are some of the nation's most popular brands including Cheerios, Wheaties and other Big G cereal brands; Yoplait and Colombo yogurts; Betty Crocker desserts and dinner mixes; Betty Crocker and Nature Valley snacks; Totino's frozen pizza and snacks; and Progresso ready-to-serve soups. General Mills also is a leader in the bakeries and foodservice business.

About The American Dietetic Association Foundation

The American Dietetic Association Foundation is the philanthropic arm of ADA. It is a 501(c)(3) charity devoted exclusively to nutrition and dietetics. The Foundation funds scholarships and awards, education and research projects, and ADA strategic initiatives that promote optimal nutrition health and well-being of the public. It is the largest provider of scholarships and awards in the field of dietetics.

About the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports 

The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports (PCPFS) serves as a catalyst to promote, encourage and motivate Americans of all ages to become and stay physically active, fit, and healthy. The President's Challenge Physical Activity and Fitness Awards Program (the President's Challenge), a long-standing program of the PCPFS, motivates more than 5 million youth each year to be physically fit and active and awards them presidential recognition for their commitment.

Editors Note: For photos, additional Champions For Healthy Kids success stories, or for programs in your community, please contact Heidi Geller at 763-764-5836.