newjerseynewsroom.com

Grants range from $7,500 to $15,000

BY TOM HESTER SR.

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

Nine New Jersey counties and cities are sharing $135,000 to finance efforts to promote physical activity and healthier eating, state Acting Health and Senior Services Commissioner Mary O’Dowd announced Wednesday.

The grants, ranging from $7,500 to $15,000 are going to the counties of Atlantic, Cape May, Monmouth (two), Somerset and Warren and the municipalities of Paterson, Irvington, Nutley and Montclair.

Each government will work with community organizations on projects such as gardening, farmers’ markets and walking clubs, installing bike racks, and improving and promoting local recreation trails.

The effort is being funded with $45,000 in Health and Senior Services’ grants, $45,000 from the New Jersey Partnership for Healthy Kids, $30,000 from Partners in Health, and $15,000 from Walgreens.

“To combat obesity, we must make our communities healthier places to live,” O‘Dowd said. “Low-income and minority communities are especially vulnerable because they often don’t have ready access to fresh fruits and vegetables, and opportunities for physical activity. This funding partnership shows how we can work together to have a positive impact on public health.”

Health and Human Services and the other funding partners are providing technical assistance to the projects, and holding webinars and other learning opportunities to support the communities in creating healthier environments. This is expected to enable the county and municipal governments to share strategies for success, discuss any challenges they face, and collaborate on initiatives. Each county and municipality will work on projects with groups such as hospitals, schools, recreation departments, United Ways and YMCAs.

Here are descriptions of the projects:

Atlantic County Health Department – $15,000 for community gardens, farmers markets, playground equipment and promoting outdoor fitness opportunities.

Cape May County Health Department – $15,000 for a farmers market, healthier food options at public facilities, and walking club and trail signs.

Irvington Health Department – $15,000 for community gardens, walking clubs, nutrition education, and park and trail maps.

Monmouth County Health Department – $7,500 for creating school health councils.

Monmouth Regional Health Commission – $7,500 for a healthy bodega initiative, and improving and promoting local fitness trails.

Montclair Health Department – $15,000 for community bike racks, park trail signs, and farm stands.

Nutley Department of Public Affairs – $15,000 for nutrition workshops, bike racks, youth walking program, and a healthy town reception.

Paterson Health Department – $15,000 for a walking path and walking club, healthy living committee and intergenerational gardens.

Somerset County Health Department – $15,000 for a lending/borrowing program for active play and sports equipment, and more healthy food options in restaurants, vending machines and food banks.

Warren County Health Department – $15,000 for community gardens, trail maps and trail improvement.