School to use grant money for nutrition education, exercise equipment

An Illinois school has been awarded a $4,000 grant from Fuel Up to Play 60, an initiative sponsored by the National Dairy Council, the National Football League and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help kids eat right and to get at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day.

The Anne M. Jeans Elementary School in Willowbrook, Illinois, will use the money to teach students, their families and the community about proper nutrition as well as to buy exercise equipment, according to The Doings Weekly.

The school plans to purchase items such as hula-hoops, fitness games, a cyber bike and several Wii gaming consoles to help kids get moving.

In addition, school officials say they'll host as many as three fitness events during and after school to teach students new ways to stay active.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children should get at least an hour of physical activity each day.

Playing organized sports, riding a bicycle, swimming, hiking or simply running around and playing games with friends can help individuals of all ages get the proper amount of exercise each day.

Parents can consider purchasing various used sports equipment to encourage exercise and give their kids the gear they need to stay active all year long.