Six local charities announced plans to launch or strengthen programs that will support health and nutrition in Northwest Arkansas on Wednesday afternoon.

Staff at the local General Mills sales office presented each organization with $40,000 from the General Mills Foundation during an award ceremony in Rogers.

The six charities are:

• Arkansas Athletes Outreach
• Boys and Girls Club of Benton County
• Mercy Health Foundation of Northwest Arkansas
• Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter
• The Jones Center for Families
• Samaritan House Community Center

Projects funded through the grants include a walking trail, a biking program, nutrition and fitness education, a summer camp outreach and development of prepackaged meals for hungry children