Intern Onika Shabazz’s digital story, “The Policy of Obesity,” which she created as part of her internship here at HSD working, was shown at the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Conference, “Weight of the Nation,” in Washington D.C. in early May. See this link to the video. See conference link for more details about the conference. Onika is developing a second digital story on the Farm to Table Project in which she interviewed a provider, parent and farmer.
Seattle receives grants to promote active living
The fight against tobacco use and obesity just got a big boost. The Seattle Human Services Department (HSD) was among the recipients of 51 Communities Putting Prevention to Work (CPPW) grants totaling $8.9 million from Public Health – Seattle & King County to fund school districts, community-based organizations, and local governments to improve nutrition and physical activity, and decrease tobacco use. HSD received two awards:
- $200,483 to the Aging & Disability Services division to reduce the price of fresh produce for 17 congregate meal sites and one home-delivered meal provider by cooperatively purchasing directly from local farmers.
- $73,000 to Early Learning and Family Support division to increase availability of healthy foods and children’s physical activity in early learning and afterschool programs serving children ages birth through 12.
For details about this federal stimulus-funded grant program, please see this press release and the CPPW Web site. If you have questions, please contact Jerry DeGrieck, HSD, at jerry.degrieck@seattle.gov or 206-684-0684.
Public Health receives $25.5M to fight obesity, tobacco use
Public Health – Seattle & King County has been awarded two highly competitive federal grants totaling $25.5 million over two years to address obesity and tobacco use. Obesity and tobacco use are leading contributors to premature illness, death and health care costs locally and nationwide. These federal stimulus dollars (part of the Communities Putting Prevention to Work program) provide one-time funding for policy, systems and environmental changes by local community organizations, schools, businesses and governments. Examples of grant activities include supporting corner stores in offering more healthy options, providing healthier foods in schools, and restricting tobacco marketing.
Interested in applying for funds?
Public Health will conduct a Request for Proposals process and award grants to school districts, local governments, and community organizations. Letters of Intent are due April 21; please visit the program web site, http://www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/partnerships/cppw.aspx,for more information. Submitting a Letter of Intent is strongly encouraged (and earns an additional 10% in the rating process and makes an organization eligible for technical assistance). If you have questions or want technical assistance from Public Health in completing your Letters of Intent, please email CPPW@kingcounty.gov.
