Congressman Andrews Announces $700,000 for Physical Education Jobs and Student Wellness

Press Release

Earlier this week, Congressman Rob Andrews announced Camden schools will receive a $700,000 federal grant to improve student health and wellness and sustain teaching jobs for the district's physical education department. Awarded through the U.S. Department of Education's Fit for Life Project, these grants target underserved communities throughout the nation to promote physical activity and nutrition and combat obesity and other chronic diseases.

The grant will create new teaching jobs as Camden physical education departments help students meet new health goals. By encouraging students to get 60 minutes of physical activity every day, and teaching good nutrition, the program instills healthy habits in children of all ages. Healthier students miss fewer days of school, put less of a burden on school health facilities, and make choices that lead to a lifetime of better health.

"The need for programs like Fit for Life in underserved areas such as Camden cannot be overstated," said Congressman Andrews. "Not only does this program improve the health and wellness for young Americans, but it also provides solutions to the childhood obesity epidemic, which costs our nation $14.3 billion per year in healthcare expenses."

Nationally, the U.S. Department of Education has awarded 76 grants totaling more than $35 million to schools, clubs, and other community organizations to improve physical activity and nutrition programs. As a member of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions sub-committee and a leader on healthcare reform in Washington, Congressman Rob Andrews is strongly committed to the health and well-being of his constituents here in South Jersey.

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