Applications for the 2011 PTA Healthy Lifestyles^SM grants are now being accepted! Since its creation in 2007, the Healthy Lifestyles grants have helped thousands of students and parents work toward developing healthier behaviors to last a lifetime.

In 2011, National PTA is providing $1,000 grants to PTAs that implement a program using one of more of these strategies to prevent childhood obesity:

Wondering what a successful program looks like? Del Prado Elementary School PTA in Boca Raton, Florida, was a 2010 PTA Healthy Lifestyles grant recipient. Del Prado PTA developed a �Treats, Not Sweets� program that encouraged its school to use healthy rewards.  In this program, teachers received healthy treasure-box items, like toys and coupons, to replace the traditional reward of sweets students often received. Del Prado PTA expanded the program to focus on physical activity by encouraging families to participate in the health-and-fitness-oriented President�s Challenge, including having a computer available at their health carnival to encourage attendees to register online to participate. In addition, parents created a Del Prado Parents Walking Club to help promote fitness to families and community members.

Please visit PTA.org/healthylifestyles for more information on the grants, a sample grant application, Healthy Lifestyles ideas, and more!

Applications are due Friday, September 2 at 5:00 p.m. EDT.