CHICAGO, March 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Moms have long trusted Quaker Chewy Granola Bars as a wholesome afterschool snack. Now Quaker Chewy Granola Bars, the Official Snack of Afterschool, joins forces with nonprofit organization Afterschool Alliance and "iCarly" star Miranda Cosgrove to help bring affordable afterschool programs to all kids. Cosgrove lends her star power to the Afterschool Rocks campaign to help raise awareness of the importance of afterschool programs and by hosting an exclusive afterschool performance that one lucky parent can win for their child. Visit www.QuakerOats.com for more information.

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Afterschool programs help keep kids safe, inspire them to learn and help working families. While 8.4 million children participate in afterschool programs, more than 15 million children are alone and unsupervised after the school day ends due to a lack of affordable programs.  The Afterschool Alliance is dedicated to ensuring that all children have access to quality programs, especially in underserved communities.

"It's great to partner with a brand like Quaker Chewy that understands the importance of helping children learn and grow through afterschool programs," said Jodi Grant, Executive Director of Afterschool Alliance. "No matter where they live, every child deserves quality afterschool opportunities and with Quaker Chewy, we're one step closer to providing that to those who need it."

Actress and recording artist Miranda Cosgrove is joining the Quaker Chewy Afterschool Rocks effort to bring attention to the critical need for safe, secure and stimulating afterschool programs for all kids. In addition, she will host a one-of-a-kind private performance for the winner of the Afterschool Rocks sweepstakes.

"I'm really excited to team up with Quaker Chewy and the Afterschool Alliance on this afterschool campaign," said Cosgrove. "I hope that it helps more people understand how afterschool programs can support greater confidence and self-esteem in kids, and the importance of healthy eating afterschool."

About the Afterschool Rocks Sweepstakes

Just in time for her solo album debut this spring and a role in the animated film "Despicable Me" this summer, Cosgrove gives her fans one of the first chances to experience her new music live as part of the Afterschool Rocks sweepstakes. Adults, age 18 or over, can visit www.QuakerOats.com to enter the sweepstakes (until 11:59 p.m. on April 16, 2010) for a chance to win a private musical performance by Cosgrove to be held in or near the winner's hometown. The winner will be selected in a random drawing on or before April 20 and notified on or about April 28, 2010. No purchase necessary. Open to legal residents of the 48 continuous United States or the District of Columbia, who are 18 years or older as of February 8, 2010. See Official Rules for details at www.QuakerOats.com.

"We feel privileged to partner with a great organization like the Afterschool Alliance and support such an important cause," said Senior Manager of Quaker Snack Bars, Bill Fiely. "Through our partnership, Quaker Chewy is working to promote healthy lifestyles, proper nutrition and physical activity afterschool, and bring the benefits of afterschool programs to all children."

Get Involved in Afterschool

The Quaker Chewy brand has made it easy to learn more about the importance of afterschool with a simple click. Moms are invited to visit www.QuakerOats.com to learn more about how afterschool programs help children learn and grow and read real success stories from participating kids.

Quaker Chewy Granola Bars, The Official Snack of Afterschool

Quality afterschool programs and wholesome snacks go hand-in-hand. Research shows nearly 90 percent of children ages 4 to 13 consume less than one serving of whole grains per day,(1) while health professionals recommend children consume three servings, or 48 grams, of whole grains daily. With eight grams of whole grains in each Quaker Chewy Granola Bar, children receive half a serving of whole grains  in one bar. Quaker Chewy Granola Bars come individually wrapped and contain no high fructose corn syrup, making them a great afterschool snack moms feel good about serving.

About Afterschool Alliance

The Afterschool Alliance is a nonprofit public awareness and advocacy organization working to ensure that all children and youth have access to quality afterschool programs. The nation's leading voice for afterschool, the Afterschool Alliance is the only organization dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of afterschool programs and advocating for more afterschool investments. The Afterschool Alliance works with the Administration, the U.S. Congress, governors, mayors and advocates across the country. Its network spans 26,000 afterschool program partners. For more information, please visit www.afterschoolalliance.org.

About Quaker Snacks

Quaker Snacks, headquartered in Chicago, is a unit of PepsiCo, Inc., one of the world's largest consumer packaged goods companies. For nearly 130 years, Quaker's brands have served as symbols of quality, great taste and nutrition. Holding No. 1 positions in their respective categories, Quaker Oats, Quaker Rice Cakes and Quaker Chewy Granola Bars are consumer favorites. For more information, please visit www.QuakerOats.com.

(1) Harnack L, Walters SA, Jacobs DR Jr. Dietary intake and food sources of whole grains among US children and adolescents: Data from the 1994-1996 Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals. J Am Diet Assoc. 2003; 103:1015-1019.

SOURCE Quaker Snacks