H-E-B to Convene Childhood Obesity Summit

In an effort to reverse the rising rates of childhood obesity in Texas, H-E-B is convening a Childhood Obesity Summit this weekend.

Scheduled for Sunday morning at the Hilton Austin Hotel in Texas’ state capital, the summit – held in conjunction with the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards – will include participation by leading experts on the topic of childhood obesity and Texas educators from across the state.

The summit will begin with a sneak preview of the documentary “Health Needs a Hero,” a documentary detailing the epidemic of childhood health issues as told through the hearts of children and key stakeholders. A panel discussion will follow, moderated by Dr. Richard Middleton, superintendent of Northeast Independent School District in San Antonio.

In attendance will be the 40 Texas educators and representatives from eight school districts, gathered in Austin for the 2011 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards. The educators, representing the five regions in Texas where H-E-B operates stores, are recognized as the best in Texas public school education.

Each year, the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards recognize the achievements of outstanding educators, schools and districts in Texas with cash incentives ranging from $5,000 to $100,000. As this year marks the 10th anniversary of the education awards, H-E-B has added the Fit Campus health and wellness award to the program to highlight its commitment to building stronger and healthier Texas communities. Ten schools were awarded $10,000 each for their leadership in promoting health and wellness for students, parents and staff. The schools will be honored at a Family Fitness Festival featuring health and wellness expert Jillian Michaels.

“In hosting the summit with the activities surrounding our awards celebration, we saw an opportunity to infuse these educators with the knowledge needed to bring about real change in their schools and in their communities,” said Kate Rogers, H-E-B VP of communication. “Our hope is that by placing a strong emphasis on the health of students, parents and staff in our public schools, we will see the rising rates of childhood obesity reversed in Texas.”

For more information regarding the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards, visit www.heb.com.

Based in San Antonio, H-E-B operates 332 stores in Texas and Mexico.