Thursday, October 20, 2011

Grants Available for Child Care Providers Looking to Improve Nutrition

As childhood obesity continues to cause national concern, there's a lot child care providers can do to help, and now, grants are available to implement enhanced nutrition programs.

We’ve recently discussed how child care providers can help with America’s childhood obesity epidemic.

Even if parents do not prepare healthy meals, child care providers will still be able to aid in childhood obesity prevention by ensuring that children get enough physical activity and are fed healthful foods. But, how do child care providers go about improving the nutrition of the foods they serve and increasing physical activity? Healthy foods are often more expensive, as are the toys and equipment needed to get children moving. But, did you know that you may be able to receive grant funding for such things?

Child care providers in Pennsylvania will be able to afford feeding children healthier foods and help them increase their physical activity. Through Keystone Kids Go!, the Pennsylvania Department of Education developed and online nutrition and physical activity self-assessment and plan specifically design for child care facilities. Through USDA CACFP Child Care Wellness Grant Funding, grants are available for child care centers selected to participate.

Learn more about the grant program and apply here.

If you’re not eligible to apply, there are still a lot of great programs you can implement to aid in the prevention of childhood obesity. What has your childcare facility done to improve nutrition and increase activity? Share your tips by commenting below, or on our Facebook or twitter pages.

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