The General Mills Champions for Healthy Kids initiative, in partnership with the American Dietetic Association, has awarded $500,000  in grants to community-based organizations across the United States for programs that provide youth with the tools they need to live healthy, balanced and active lifestyles.

The initiative provides 50 grants of $10,000 each to nonprofits, schools and community organizations to develop creative ways to help kids of all ages incorporate physical fitness and good nutrition into their daily lives. Since 2002, General Mills has invested nearly $19.5 million in youth nutrition and fitness programs that have served more than 4.8 million children nationwide.

“Our biggest priority, through our partnership with the General Mills Champions for Healthy Kids initiative, is the health of our nation’s children,” says Judith L. Dodd, registered dietitian and chair of the American Dietetic Association Foundation. “This is a complex issue that requires the combined effort of families, schools, communities, corporations and health professionals such as registered dietitians to address the issue. By working together we can make a difference.”

Y on the Move in Providence, RI —This mobile outreach component of the Greater Providence YMCA uses a fully equipped vehicle to bring staff and fitness and exercise equipment to at-risk neighborhoods. Y on the Move is provided free of charge to all kids and is designed to engage youth in improving healthy eating and increasing active living.

Growing a Path to Wellness, Inola, OK —Students will have a unique opportunity to learn about all aspects of nutrition by constructing a greenhouse and growing their own fruits and vegetables. The garden project will engage students in propagating plants and learning gardening skills as they increase their knowledge of nutrition and healthy cooking.

Bright IDEA: Keeping Kids Healthy, Weslaco, TX —Bright IDEA believes changes in home and school environments can increase student awareness about the importance of eating nutritious foods and engaging in regular physical activity. The program will engage students and their families in making healthier lifestyle choices through farm visits, nutrition education and physical activity competitions, and cooking clubs.