Three local agencies are among the 19 non-profit organizations, which will receive community grants from HEAL Appalachia.
HEAL Appalachia is awarding funding for grassroots effort that support new or existing efforts to reduce childhood obesity in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. HEAL Appalachia encourages program partners to incorporate the 5-2-1-0 message into their programs.
5-2-1-0 stands for: 5 or more servings of fruits or veggies each day; 2 hours or less of recreational screen time; 1 hour or more of exercise; and 0 sugary drinks.
The funding for the HEAL Appalachia Community Grants program is provided by Mountain States Health Alliance as one of its many regional community benefit efforts.
The agencies, which will receive grants in the amounts of $2,000 and $5,000 were chosen through a competitive review process.
“Mountain States is committed to improving the health of the communities it serves,” said Joanna Swinehart, Social Responsibility Coordinator for Mountain States. “The programs that come out of the HEAL Appalachia Community Grants program are an effective way to allow individual organizations find creative ways to address the health issues they see every day.”
Local agencies receiving the grants included:
• Carter County Schools, Coordinated School Health – $2,000 for its Third Annual Family Fun Fitness Day: Family Fun Fitness Day incorporates family physical activity and nutrition education into a fun filled day that promotes use of Tennessee’s State Parks.
• Boys & Girls Club of Elizabethton/Carter County $2,000 for its Triple Play program: Triple Play strives to improve the overall health of members, ages 6-18, by increasing their daily physical activity, teaching them good nutrition and helping them develop healthy relationships.
• Elizabethton City Schools Extended School Program, Harold McCormick Elementary , $2,000 for Kids in Motion: ESP is dedicated to the academic and physical enrichment of children serviced by Elizabethton City Schools attending grades PK – 5.