Malt-O-Meal® Kicks-off Sponsorship with National PTA® to Promote Healthy Living For Kids and Their Families

ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Malt-O-Meal® is sponsoring National PTA's® Healthy Lifestyles Grant Program. The Healthy Lifestyles Program encourages families to make smarter choices and live healthier lives. The program promotes good nutrition and regular physical activity - both at school and at home, focuses on the connection between student health and student achievement and encourages families, schools and communities to eat healthy and be active together.

"Children's physical well-being has a significant effect on their learning and long-term success, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. When children are well-rested, well-nourished, and physically fit they are more ready to learn," said Charles J. "Chuck" Saylors, National PTA president. "National PTA is committed to building healthy families and healthy communities, and believes we all have an important role to play in making sure parents, schools, and communities have the support and resources they need. That's why we commend Malt-O-Meal for stepping up and helping us in our efforts."

Through its sponsorship Malt-O-Meal will provide information and support to local PTA councils to better educate parents, teachers and students on ways to make smarter choices and live healthier lives, which typically starts with breakfast.

"More than 20 million families start their mornings with a breakfast that includes Malt-O-Meal cereal," says Chris Neugent, president and CEO, Malt-O-Meal. "We're sponsoring PTA because we believe in their power and ability to educate parents and students about the importance of eating a nutritious and healthy breakfast, staying active and maintaining a healthy planet."

Through the Healthy Lifestyles program, local PTAs can apply for grants of up to $1,000 in order to support programs that:

• Celebrate PTA Healthy Lifestyles Month and have a long-term impact on students and families
• Promote healthy lifestyles in the home, school and community
• Promote family engagement
• Emphasize the connection between healthy lifestyles and student achievement
• Engage a diverse group of family and community members to participate in physical activity and healthy eating

Past grant recipients have established school gardens, created intramural sports programs and educated parents on how to get involved in the creation and implementation of school wellness policies. Visit http://www.pta.org/Healthy_Lifestyles.asp for information on this year's program and how to apply.

About Malt-O-Meal

Founded by John S. Campbell, Malt-O-Meal® is the largest family owned cereal company in the U.S. The company has delivered quality and service since 1919, and manufactures three varieties of hot wheat cereal, as well as many varieties of oatmeal, ready-to-eat and natural cereals. Today, we are proud to say one in 10 servings of cereal eaten every day are Malt-O-Meal cereals. Dedicated to providing families access to better breakfast at the most affordable prices, Malt-O-Meal is leading the charge within the industry to create innovative products and processes that use fewer natural resources and creates less waste.  For more information about Malt-O-Meal please visit www.Malt-O-Meal.com or www.BagTheBox.com.

About National PTA

National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of parent involvement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.

SOURCE Malt-O-Meal