Boys & Girls Clubs of America is reinforcing its commitment the health and wellness of children and teens in Georgia, thanks to $40,000 in Triple Play grants from the Amerigroup Foundation. Triple Play is Boys & Girls Clubs of America's leading healthy lifestyles program, making a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of kids and teens during the critical after-school time at Boys & Girls Clubs around the country.

The Amerigroup Foundation will be issuing the Triple Play grants to the following Clubs to encourage healthy eating and physical activities for Club members:

• The Salvation Army J.B. Fuqua Boys & Girls Club

• Boys & Girls Clubs of Toombs County

• Boys & Girls County of North Georgia – Roper Park Unit

• Frank Callen Boys & Girls Club

• Terrill Thomas Boys & Girls Club of Glynn

• Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Georgia

• Boys & Girls Clubs of Athens

• Boys & Girls Clubs of Fort Valley, USA, Inc.

"It has been proven that children and teens are more likely to be inactive and consume less healthy foods during out-of-school hours," said Mel Lindsey, president of Amerigroup Georgia. "With the 2017-2018 school year, we are excited to continue our support of programs like Triple Play, to help educate and motivate youth to be more active and develop healthy habits that lead to better futures."

As Boys & Girls Clubs of America's proven health and wellness program, Triple Play is a game plan for the mind, body and soul. Supported by founding sponsor The Coca-Cola Company and co-sponsor, Amerigroup Foundation, the program's three components encourage Club members to eat healthier (mind), become more physically active (body) and increase their ability to engage in healthy relationships (soul).

"Boys & Girls Clubs of America is focused on providing programs that are designed to make a lasting impact during the critical after-school hours and beyond," said Dr. Jennifer Bateman, national vice president for programs, training and youth development with Boys & Girls Clubs of America. "Thanks to the Amerigroup Foundation, this grant will create a healthy environment where youth across Georgia can adopt a healthy lifestyle that will positively influence their physical, social and intellectual wellness for years to come."

The Amerigroup Foundation is committed to improving health and strengthening communities. Through its Healthy Generations grant program, Amerigroup Foundation works to identify the issues most in need of attention and then directs its financial support and volunteer efforts toward improving health in those areas. Promoting youth health and active lifestyles is an ongoing focus of the foundation.

The Triple Play grants announced are part of a five-year, $10 million commitment from the Amerigroup Foundation's parent company foundation to Boys & Girls Clubs of America to promote healthy lifestyles.