ChopChop, the fun cooking magazine for kids and families announced today that Boston-based New Balance Foundation will grant $1.1 million over three years to expand their ability to inspire and educate kids ages 5-12 on the topic of cooking and nutritional literacy. The grant is part of New Balance Foundation’s long-term commitment to childhood obesity prevention and will enable more kids nationwide to receive the non-profit magazine that offers nutritious recipes, fun food trivia and engages kids in cooking to empower them to take charge of their health.

New Balance Foundation’s involvement has also prompted ChopChop to incorporate fitness-themed content into the pages of the magazine. A Play column, inspiring kids to participate in fun activities and sports recipes for athletes will become regular features as well as a new Fitness section on the magazine’s website in 2011 at www.ChopChopmag.com.

After only two issues, ChopChop’s demand by physicians, governments, school systems, hospitals and other institutions has soared to 500,000 copies. The glossy high-quality color magazine is currently distributed nationally through 1,000 pediatricians, children’s hospitals, and youth-based community organizations, as well as to schools, after school programs, farmers’ markets, and grocery stores. New Balance Foundation will also distribute the magazine through their partnership with Girls on the Run and organizations such as Boys & Girls Clubs as well as through New Balance Stores nationwide.

The Foundation recognizes that childhood obesity is a growing epidemic with the percentage of children who are obese doubling and the percentage of obese adults tripling in the past 30 years. In 2009, The New Balance Foundation granted more than $6 million to combat childhood obesity and promote healthy lifestyles.