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HCC receives $2 million grant for nutrition, physical education programs

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HCC Executive Director Jennifer McCormack
HCC Executive Director Jennifer McCormack

FARMINGTON – A local health coalition will receive $2 million over the next three years to fund physical and nutrition education programs in Mt. Blue Regional School District, MSAD 58 and the Flagstaff Regional School Unit.

Health Community Coalition, an affiliate of the Franklin County Health Network, was awarded 1 of 67 grants issued nationally by the U.S. Department of Education through the Carol M. White Physical Education Program. This year, that program is providing $33 million in funding to community-based organizations to create or support physical education initiatives aimed at students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Programs supported by the Carol M. White funding must assist students in meeting their state’s physical education standards, through exercise and nutrition activities.

According to the DOE, the Healthy Community Coalition will receive $727,772 in the next year with the balance to total $2 million by the third year. The funding will be used to expand and develop programs targeting approximately 3,000 students at the Mt. Blue Regional School District, MSAD 58 and Stratton schools.

Specifically, the funds will be used for collaborative projects such as the 5-2-1-0 Let’s Go, a statewide anti-obesity program, and to enhance learning opportunities regarding exercise and nutrition.

“This new funding will allow the community and schools to work together,” said Jennifer McCormack, HCC’s executive director, in a statement released Wednesday, “to work together to create a gold standard program of physical activity opportunities and nutrition education at nine area elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools.”

“It is the mission of FCHN to work cooperatively with others in the community to achieve the highest level of health and wellness possible,” said Rebecca Arsenault, FCHN president and CEO. “This grant will demonstrate the ability of HCC and schools taking action together to teach approximately 3,000 students the importance of developing healthy lifestyles, which are also key components toward improving student engagement and achievement. School nutrition and physical activity related policies will also be reviewed and revised to address the highest standards possible for students.”

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4 Comments

  1. So happy for the kids and our schools. I would lke to thank the PE teachers and the school health coordinator for workng together to identify the needs of our District in the area of physical fitness and nutrition and gathering all the data to make this grant possible. With these funds I hope we can bring lots of equipment and resources to our schools. Great job

  2. Congratulations to HCC and the surrounding school districts! We are so fortunate to have Healthy Community Coalition serving the people of our community. Hats off to Jen McCormack & the team at HCC!!

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