FORT WORTH, Texas, Aug. 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --The Dannon Company, Inc. today awarded Cook Children's a Dannon Next Generation Nutrition Grant totaling $30,000 in support of its Nutrition University, a healthy eating and exercise program dedicated to fostering positive lifestyle habits for overweight children. Dannon presented the award during an event in conjunction with the Tax Free Weekend Back to School Expo at North East Mall.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120818/NY59501-a )

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120818/NY59501-b )

Taught by Cook Children's registered dietitians, Nutrition University includes nutrition presentations, cooking demonstrations and healthy family dinner nights and encourages yogurt as part of a balanced diet. This year the program will directly serve 600 children and their parents. As part of the award, the Dannon Next Generation Nutrition Grant will provide scholarships for 100 children who might not otherwise be able to participate in the program.

"Programs like Nutrition University provide an opportunity for youth to learn important nutritional information that will help them build on a healthy future," said Gayle Binney, Dannon's corporate responsibility manager. "For 70 years, Dannon has created great-tasting yogurt that also provides essential nutrients like calcium, protein, and potassium. We couldn't be prouder to partner with a program like Cook Children's and to offer scholarship funding for this program to low-income families."

Nutrition University is working to combat childhood obesity and promote the consumption of foods that are lacking in children's diets, like low-fat dairy. According to the Center for Disease Control's 2007 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, sixteen percent of Texas youth are overweight and another 16% are obeseputting this group at significantly greater risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and a range of other illnesses. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, consumption of dairy products such as yogurt is linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and type-2 diabetes, lower blood pressure and improved bone health.

Cook Children's Health Care System President and CEO Rick Merrill said, "Our relationship with Dannon is significant because it will aid our efforts to improve the health of children through these nutrition programs. We are grateful for their financial support and are so pleased that their employees will join with us throughout the year to promote good health."

"Childhood obesity is a life-threatening condition that deserves our undivided attention in this country and in the state of Texas," said Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price. "I'm excited to be here supporting Dannon and Cook Children's for the fantastic work they are doing to keep our families healthy."

Dannon established the Dannon Next Generation Nutrition Grant to promote childhood nutrition education in each of the four communities where a Dannon facility is located. As part of the program, Dannon contributes $30,000 to one non-profit organization in each of the following communities ($120,000 in total) Auglaize, Mercer, Darke, or Shelby County, Ohio; Salt Lake County, Utah; Tarrant County, Texas; and Westchester County, New York, for programs that nurture healthy eating habits among children. Over the last seven years, programs funded through the Dannon Next Generation Nutrition Grant have reached more than 2,000 children in Tarrant County.

Today's grant ceremony, held at North East Mall, was attended by Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price, Fort Worth Council Member Frank Moss, Tarrant County Director of Public Health Lou Brewer, Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Bill Thornton and Fort Worth ISD Director of Health and Physical Education Georgi Roberts. Also in attendance were Cook Children's Medical Director of Clinical Research Dr. James Marshall and Grants Administrator Johnell Kelley; Dannon Corporate Responsibility Manager Gayle Binney; and Dannon's Fort Worth Plant Director Pere Costa Torrent.

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The Dannon Company Awards Cook Children's The 2012 Dannon Next Generation Nutrition® Grant