Schools Nationwide Celebrate 4th Annual Every Kid Healthy Week

School and Community Events Mark Student Health and Wellness Accomplishments

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Apr 25, 2016, 09:20 ET

CHICAGO, April 25, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Schools across the country are celebrating the fourth annual Every Kid Healthy Week, April 25-29, launched by Action for Healthy Kids (AFHK) in 2013. Through a wide variety of physical activities and nutrition-themed events, schools will demonstrate their commitment to creating healthy schools where students are healthy, active and ready to learn year-round.

Research shows children who are physically active and well nourished are better prepared to learn in school.

Every Kid Healthy Week is an annual observance shared by schools, families, volunteers and community organizations. Celebrated the last week of April and recognized on the calendar of National Health Observances, this special week shines a spotlight on the great work schools are doing to improve school foods, nutrition education, physical activity and physical education for all students and the impact these programs have on student health and academic performance.

"The epidemic of childhood obesity has spurred a movement in schools across the country, where educators widely recognize the importance of ensuring kids are physically active and eating healthy foods as part of the school day," said Rob Bisceglie, CEO of Action for Healthy Kids, which launched Every Kid Healthy Week in 2013. "With our partner schools and dozens of other organizations nationwide, we are collectively trying to help put kids on a healthy path so they can succeed academically and develop habits that will keep them healthy for a lifetime."

More than 1,000 AFHK partner schools in at least 30 states are hosting a variety of events and activities during Every Kid Healthy Week. Events range from taste testing healthy foods to planting school gardens to renovating school playgrounds to hosting family fitness nights, and much more. Schools are invited to register their health promoting event with AFHK by April 29 for the chance to win a $250 mini-grant and put their school on the Every Kid Healthy heat map. Schools can find out how to register their events, along with resources, tips and ideas, at www.EveryKidHealthyWeek.org. Additionally, schools are encouraged to join the celebration online by sharing photos of their events in social media using the hashtag #EveryKidHealthy.

National sponsors of Every Kid Healthy Week 2016 are CSX Transportation and GoGo squeeZ®, which also provided $250 stipends to 100 schools that committed to hosting a healthy snacking and nutrition education event as part of their Every Kid Healthy Week celebration.

About Action for Healthy Kids®
Action for Healthy Kids® is a nationwide grassroots network mobilizing school professionals, families and communities to take actions that improve school foods, nutrition education and physical education for all students. With funding opportunities, expert technical assistance, and our flagship program, Game On, Action for Healthy Kids provides full support to schools and families to develop healthy school environments where children thrive. To learn more about the ways our 100,000+ volunteer network is helping to make every kid healthy and ready to learn, visit us at www.ActionforHealthyKids.org, on Facebook (act4healthykids) and on Twitter (@Act4HlthyKids).

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SOURCE Action for Healthy Kids