ACF Announces Awards for the First Lady’s Let’s Move! in Indian Country Initiative

July 13, 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Contact: Kenneth J. Wolfe
(202) 401-9215

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Administration for Native Americans (ANA) announced today ten awards, totaling $193,437 to grantees participating in the First Lady’s initiative: Let’s Move! in Indian Country. The Let’s Move! in Indian Country campaign is dedicated to solving the problem of obesity through improved health, wellness, nutrition, and physical activity.

“Childhood obesity contributes to the early onset of several diseases that plague our young American Indians and Alaska Natives,” said George Sheldon, HHS acting assistant secretary for children and families. “We will continue to support the First Lady’s initiatives, as well as the efforts of our grantees as we work together to tackle obesity among our Native population.”  

The Let’s Move! in Indian Country initiative was launched in May 2011 and stems from the nationwide efforts to solve the epidemic of childhood obesity. The campaign involves leaders from every sector of our society, ranging from teachers, parents, doctors business leaders, non-profit organizations, Native communities, schools, and tribes. The key goals of the Let’s Move! in Indian Country initiative include:

•Creating a healthy start on life
•Developing healthy learning
•Communities increasing physical activity
•Increasing access to affordable, healthy and traditional foods
“These grant awards announced today will provide organizations with the tools they need to encourage Native communities in working together to ensure our children develop healthy food choices and exercise habits that will result in the healthy future they deserve,” said Lillian Sparks, commissioner for the Administration on Native Americans.

To learn how you can get involved with the Let’s Move! in Indian Country initiative visit http://www.letsmove.gov/.
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Contact

Administration for Children & Families
Office of Communications
330 C Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20201

Phone: (202) 401-9215
Fax: (202) 205-9688
Email: media@acf.hhs.gov

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