​Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department, in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), has received a $15,000 grant to support its out-of-school time healthy food access and nutritional literacy programs. The gift is part of a $2.3 million grant NRPA received from the Walmart Foundation to support out-of-school time programs in 75 park and recreation agencies. The purpose of the grant is to:

1. Increase the number of healthy meals children in low-income communities receive through the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) during out-of-school times;
2. Provide evidence-based, age-appropriate nutrition literacy to children that create behavior change by teaching the importance of healthy eating;
3. Implement nutrition and physical activity standards that increase access to healthier foods and increase opportunities for physical activity; and
4. Promote meal and program efficiencies that will reduce costs, maximize existing resources, decrease food waste, and lead to more sustainable meal programs.

The grant will help Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department provide access to healthy foods and improve opportunities for physical activity. The Department will also receive additional support for meals provided through USDA afterschool and summer feeding programs as well as nutritional literacy materials to help ensure life-long healthy habits for Palm Beach County’s youth.

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 Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department’s work during out-of-school times that much more critical.

“One of the core services of this department is to facilitate health and wellness opportunities for our residents and we recognize the benefits of healthy eating and physical activity," said Eric Call, Director of the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department.  “I’m very appreciative of NRPA and the Walmart Foundation for the grant funding and the opportunity for staff to teach Out of School Program participants the virtues of nutrition and healthy eating habits that will last a lifetime.”

“Thanks to a successful first year with Commit to Health and the Walmart Foundation, 51,382 children now have improved access to healthy foods and physical activity,” said Barbara Tulipane, President and CEO of NPRA. “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 Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department
Palm Beach County's award-winning park system offers the widest possible range of leisure opportunities. More than 80 regional, district, community, beach, and neighborhood parks, spanning several thousand acres, are available to explore. Sports, fitness, environmental, and cultural opportunities abound, as well as restful places for solitude. Low-cost, often free, Palm Beach County's park system offers an affordable getaway! For more information, visit www.pbcparks.com. Connect with pbcParks on Facebook and Twitter.

About National Recreation and Park Association
The National Recreation and Park Association is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing park, recreation and conservation efforts that enhance quality of life for all people. Through its network of more than 47,000 recreation and park professionals and citizens, NRPA encourages the promotion of healthy lifestyles, conservation initiatives and equitable access to parks and public space. For more information, visit www.NRPA.org.  For digital access to NRPA’s flagship publication, Parks & Recreation, visit www.parksandrecreation.org.