ALEXANDRIA, VA. (January 26, 2011) –National PTA announced today that Aetna Foundation provided $25,000 to the national child advocacy association to help their child health and wellness efforts. The funding allows National PTA to provide additional Healthy Lifestyles grants to 23 local PTAs across the country. The association originally awarded 22 grants to other PTAs as part of Healthy Lifestyles Month in November, 2010.

“National PTA commends Aetna Foundation for its support in our fight against child obesity. Let’s be honest, there’s a child obesity epidemic in this country and we need everyone’s help in our efforts to defeat it,” said Charles “Chuck” J. Saylors, National PTA President.  “So, we’re grateful for Aetna Foundation’s funding which we are using to help parents and PTAs on the ground where the battle with child obesity is actually happening. Because instead of just talking and worrying about this problem, these PTAs are doing something about it.”

Through the PTA Healthy Lifestyles Grant Program, PTAs across the country are working to increase access to and awareness of healthy foods, increase physical activity for students and families, provide healthier food in schools, and engage family members in promoting physical activity and healthy eating habits.

The grants of up to $1,000 provided to local PTAs helps them conduct activities that promote good nutrition and physical activity to address the nation’s growing childhood obesity epidemic. 

As research continues to show that a child’s physical well-being has a significant effect on their learning and long-term success, PTAs are working with families and schools to build community gardens, provide nutrition classes, hold family meal makeover sessions, and implement many more programs that will promote health and wellness.
 
The following 23 PTAs from 18 different states were selected by National PTA to receive grants up to $1,000:

• Calhoun Academy of the Arts PTA – Anderson, South Carolina
• Brunner PTA – Scotch Plains, New Jersey
• Del Prado Elementary School PTA – Boca Raton, Florida
• East High PTSA – Salt Lake City, Utah
• Floyd Middle School PTSA – Mableton, Georgia
• Holbrook Road PTA – Centereach, New York
• Hollis Elementary PTA – Hollis, New Hampshire
• Howe Independent School District  PTA – Howe, Texas
• Jemez Mountain Community PTA – Gallina, New Mexico
• John Dooley PTA – Henderson, Nevada
• John Hanson Montessori PTSA – Oxon Hill, Maryland
• Kainalu Elementary School PTA – Kailua, Hawaii
• Lake Elmo Elementary PTA – Lake Elmo, Minnesota
• McIntosh Elementary School PTA – Newport News, Virginia
• Mesita Elementary PTA – El Paso, Texas
• Mill Creek Elementary PTA – Independence, Missouri
• Mountain Road PTA—Woodstock, Georgia
• Mt. Carmel Elementary PTA – Douglasville, Georgia
• Myers Park Traditional School  PTA – Charlotte, North Carolina
• Northern Parkway PTA – Uniondale, New York
• Paul Banks Elementary PTA – Homer, Alaska
• Pucketts Mill Elementary PTA – Dacula, Georgia
• Purchase Line North Elementary PTA – Mahaffey, Pennsylvania

To learn what schools are doing in your area, contact national PTA’s Media Relations office.

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 parent involvement 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.