NORTHFIELD, Ill., Aug. 13 /CSRwire - PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - Chicago kids have a lot to look forward to this school year. That's because the Kraft Foods Foundation is bringing fun and educational projects to more than 200,000 local children through its Kraft Great Kids program. The Foundation is providing $1.6 million to seven area organizations to support nutrition education, fitness, literacy and cultural activities.

"As a Chicago-based company, it's natural for us to invest in building stronger communities in our hometown," said Nicole Robinson, Director, Corporate Community Involvement. "These programs help ensure our kids have safe and healthy places to play and learn when they're not in school."

The Kraft Great Kids program builds on Kraft Foods' global efforts to combat hunger and promote healthy lifestyles. Last year, for example, the company and its foundation launched a national mobile pantry program in partnership with Feeding America. In the Chicagoland area alone, these mobile pantries will serve 3.5 million nutritious meals to families over the next three years.

Building Healthier Communities
The Kraft Great Kids grants support projects targeted to communities in Chicago with the highest youth development needs. In these neighborhoods, 46 percent of the population is under 19 years of age, nearly half live below the poverty line and two-thirds do not finish high school. In addition, compared to national or state averages, more Chicago children are overweight, or are at risk of being overweight.

"In such difficult economic times, the Chicago Park District understands that some families are struggling to provide even the basics to their children," said Tim Mitchell, General Superintendent and CEO, Chicago Park District. "The Kraft Great Kids program opens the doors to cultural, recreational, literacy and wellness driven activities that are part of a healthy childhood and encourages kids to keep learning. The Park District and Parkways Foundation, our non-profit partner working to bring private investments into the parks, are grateful to the Kraft Foods Foundation for their continued and generous support through the years."

Great Programs from Seven Great Organizations
The Kraft Great Kids grants support youth programs provided by the following local organizations:

• Chicago Park District & Parkways Foundation (http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com). Kraft Great Kids program assists children with nutrition, fitness, literacy and creative play activities. Parents looking for safe learning opportunities for their children ages 6 - 12 during the school year are encouraged to stop in at any of the Chicago Park District's 12 Kraft Great Kids program sites this fall. For more information call (312) 742-PLAY or visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com.
  
• Chicago Public Library (http://www.chipublib.org). "Great Kids Museum Passports" allow families to experience some of Chicago's renowned cultural institutions free of charge. And "Kraft Great Kids Family Nights" provide opportunities for families with children to spend quality time together, including dinner, active play, reading and crafts.
  
• After School Matters (http://www.afterschoolmatters.org/). The "Make Reading Fun" program provides opportunities for teen interns to mentor younger children, while developing marketable job skills for their future success.
  
• Consortium to Lower Obesity in Chicago Children/CLOCC (http://www.clocc.net/). Kraft Great Kids has adopted CLOCC's 5-4-3-2-1 Go!(TM) message to enrich and enhance the healthy lifestyle component of the program.
  
• Chicago Children's Museum (http://www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org/). Free admission every Thursday night from 5 - 8 p.m. Programs on Kraft Free Family Night include Passport to the World multicultural celebrations, health and wellness resources, and art workshop in the Kraft Artabounds Studio.
  
• Kohl Children's Museum (http://www.kohlchildrensmuseum.org/). Expanded space provides interactive, health and wellness educational experiences for young children.
  
• Ravinia Festival (http://www.ravinia.org/). Kid-friendly concerts bring live music to families.

Kraft Foods (www.kraftfoodscompany.com) makes today delicious in 150 countries around the globe. Our 100,000 employees work tirelessly to make delicious foods consumers can feel good about. From American brand icons like Kraft cheeses, dinners and dressings, Maxwell House coffees and Oscar Mayer meats, to global powerhouse brands like Oreo and LU biscuits, Philadelphia cream cheeses, Jacobs and Carte Noire coffees, Tang powdered beverages and Milka, Cote d'Or, Lacta and Toblerone chocolates, our brands deliver millions of smiles every day. Kraft Foods (NYSE: KFT) is the world's second largest food company with annual revenues of $42 billion. The company is a member of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, Standard & Poor's 500, the Dow Jones Sustainability Index and the Ethibel Sustainability Index.

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