Bensenville Park District Receives Grant to Support Local Out-of-School Time Programs
Bensenville Park District, in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), has received a $35,000 grant to support its out-of-school time healthy food access and nutritional literacy programs. The gift is part of a $2.5 million grant NRPA received from the Walmart Foundation to support out-of-school time programs in 80 park and recreation agencies.
Bensenville Park District's grant is to help increase access to healthy foods and improve opportunities for physical activity. "Staff is already implementing new classes and channels that further the goals of the grant. Our Summer Camp Program currently offers daily healthy lunch options, and campers now have weekly nutrition learning experiences and additional activities that keep them moving. A Family Wellness Fair is also being planned for the fall," states Rick Robbins, Director of the Bensenville Park District.
This grant supports NRPA's campaign-Commit to Health-which encourages the implementation and evaluation of Healthy Eating, Physical Activity (HEPA) standards in park and recreation sites across the country. NRPA's goal is to have at least 2,000 participating sites in five years. Within the first two-years of the program, 991 sites have pledged to Commit to Health and over 108,000 children now have improved access to healthy foods and increased opportunities for physical activity.
According to Share our Strength's No Kid Hungry Campaign, one in five children in America struggles with hunger. Over 21 million low-income children receive free or reduced meals during the school year to help them meet their daily nutrition needs, but only 3 million of these children are getting these meals during the summer. During summer months, these children may not have access to quality and healthy food to help them grow-making Bensenville Park District's focus on fitness and nutrition during out-of-school times that much more critical.
"Thanks to a successful two years with Commit to Health and the Walmart Foundation, over 108,000 children now have improved access to healthy foods and physical activity," said Barbara Tulipane, President and CEO of NRPA. "Parks and recreation are proving their critical role in the health of their communities and we can't wait to see the impact this year's grants will have on fostering life-long healthy habits in children across the country."
About the Bensenville Park District
The Bensenville Park District's mission is to promote community participation in leisure activities, learning experiences, and social interactions by providing excellence in service, facilities and programs throughout the District. The Bensenville Park District's administrative offices are at the Deer Grove Leisure Center located at 1000 W. Wood Street. The Leisure Center has a state of the art weight room, a full size gymnasium, senior center, an indoor track, three racquetball courts and is the location of many of the programs and events offered by the Park District.