Agencies get share of $915,000 in grants to address childhood obesity in Michigan

Money is for programs before, after school and in summer

Published On: Nov 05 2012 12:19:04 PM EST
LANSING, Mich. -

The Michigan Department of Community Health has selected 10 agencies for a pilot program to help improve physical activity and healthy eating for children in kindergarten through sixth grade.

The aim of $915,000 in grant funding is to help address childhood obesity in Michigan. It's for programs that take place before school, after school and in the summer.

Funding includes an organization in Detroit; school districts in Ann Arbor, Cadillac and Okemos; and YMCAs in the Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Marquette and Ypsilanti areas. The City of Wayne/Westland Parks and Recreation Center is included along with the Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan.

The state says the grants aim to help increase physical activity, provide nutrition education and offer a safe place to play and exercise through Sept. 30.