The Courage to “Eat Wise and Exercise”

by Joy Keller

Making News:

Courage Center, a Minneapolis-based rehabilitation and resource center for people with disabilities, has received a General Mills Champions Youth Nutrition and Fitness Grant.

Grants were awarded to 50 nonprofit organizations that offered innovative programs designed to improve nutrition and fitness among young people ages 2–20. Courage Center, in collaboration with the Emma B. Howe YMCA in Coon Rapids and the Minnesota Valley YMCA in Burnsville, proposed “Eat Wise and Exercise,” a pilot nutrition and fitness program for teens with physical disabilities.

The 8-week program covers topics recommended by the American Dietetic Association. Special emphasis is given to the unique exercise and nutrition needs of youths with physical disabilities, who are at much higher risk for secondary health conditions stemming from inactivity. These conditions include obesity, osteoporosis, diabetes and orthopedic issues.

Any community-based, nonprofit organization or agency is eligible to apply for one of the 50 General Mills Champions Youth and Nutrition grants of $10,000 each. For more information, visit www.generalmills.com/foundation.