NFL and American Heart Association Fund School Health Programs

The American Heart Association and the National Football League are awarding grants to 164 schools in 44 states to improve student health. The initiative, NFL PLAY 60, responds to research showing a concerning rise in youth obesity. Obesity among young people increased by approximately 30% from 1999 to 2023, with severe obesity climbing by 50%.

The grants, totaling $350,000 annually, aim to address barriers to physical activity by funding improvements to school equipment, recess environments, and physical education programs. Schools will use the funds to create more inclusive and accessible opportunities for students to be active.

The program recognizes that schools play a key role in establishing healthy habits, and seeks to help more children meet the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity. Currently, less than one in four U.S. children achieve this target.