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TWO NEW GRANTS IMPROVE STUDENT HEALTH AND NUTRITION MIAMI –Miami-Dade public schools students will have the chance to eat better and stay fit, thanks to two very important grants totaling more than $65,000. A $50,000 research grant from the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Disability’s obesity campaign will be used to increase physical activity and good nutritional practice in schools. The District implemented I Can Do It, You Can Do It last school year in which students with disabilities are paired with adult school-site mentors during the school day to increase their individual physical activity levels. Eleven schools were selected to participate in the program. The money will be used during this school year to conduct the mentor-mentee model in support of the National Initiative on Physical Fitness for Children and Youth with Disabilities. There is no cost to the District for this program. The other grant awarded $19,500 from the Dairy Council of Florida for funding the Breakfast Expansion Program. The program takes an alternate approach to serving breakfast by providing it in classrooms or as breakfast-to-go. The Dairy Council makes money available to enhance and expand breakfast services through promotion, education and equipment purchases. Research shows that breakfast boosts readiness to learn, behavior and cognitive skills in children. Both grants support the District’s Student Wellness Program which was jump-started last month when the District’s banned sugary beverages and super-sized portions in vending machines and cafeteria meals. # # # 05-LJG/140/DF |
