The General Mills Foundation launched the One Million PALA Challenge in partnership with the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition (PCFSN) President’s Challenge program, Box Tops for Education® and the Amateur Athletic Union. Through the initiative, the General Mills Foundation will fund up to one million PALA for students across the United States. The program encourages children to lead healthy, active lifestyles.

To fulfill its goal of funding one million PALA (The Presidential Active Lifestyle Award) certificates, the General Mills Foundation will encourage American families to attend Box Tops Family Fitness Nights. The events, organized by Box Tops for Education volunteer Coordinators in up to 8,000 schools across the country, educate students and their families about the merits of healthy eating and exercise. Educational and fun, Box Tops Family Fitness Nights help students to kick-off the six-week fitness program and earn PALA certificates. Incentives, as well as materials developed by the University of Minnesota and the Amateur Athletic Union, encourage students to chart their progress and stay motivated during the fitness program.

«At General Mills, our mission is Nourishing Lives,» said Kendall Powell, General Mills Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. «The General Mills Foundation is continuing to bring that mission to life today by encouraging one million children to earn PALA certificates and inviting American families to attend Box Tops Family Fitness Nights. We are proud to partner with the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition, Box Tops for Education, and the Amateur Athletic Union on this powerful initiative. Together, we can help families across America live healthier lives.»

For more information about the General Mills Foundation, the One Million PALA Challenge, and attending a Box Tops Family Fitness Night, visit www.generalmills.com/foundation.