Dr Pepper Snapple Group announces Let's Play initiative

PLANO, Texas — A popular beverage maker is encouraging kids to be active by promoting fit and healthy lifestyles.



DPS' Let's Play community partnership includes a $15 million, three-year commitment to KaBOOM!, the national nonprofit that's ensuring there is a great place to play within walking distance of every child. Through Let's Play, DPS and KaBOOM! will build or fix up 2,000 playgrounds by the end of 2013, benefiting an estimated 5 million children across North America.



"We recognize that the key to healthy living is managing calories in and calories out.  Let's Play is an important step in helping families achieve that balance," said Larry Young, president and CEO of DPS. "By extending our existing partnership with KaBOOM!, Let's Play will provide the tools, places and inspiration to help communities increase physical activity."



In addition to the launch of Let's Play, DPS has set a health-and-wellness goal that at least 50% of products in its pipeline will be improved by 2015. This includes reduced calorie products, offering options with smaller portion sizes and improving the nutrition offerings in its portfolio.



More information about how communities nationwide can join the Let's Play initiative will be available in January 2011, DPS said.