A Farmington-based community health group has been awarded a $2 million federal grant for physical education programs.

The Healthy Community Coalition announced in a news release that they plans to use the money, to be awarded over three years, for increased after-school and summer programs.

Along with new programming, the money will also go toward programs that work with existing projects like 5-2-1-0 Let’s Go.

“This new funding will allow the community and schools 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,” the coalition’s executive director, Jennifer McCormack, said in the news release.

The coalition, an affiliate of Franklin Community Health Network, was awarded the grant from the U.S. Department of Education through the Carol M. White Physical Education Program. The money was granted to expand and develop youth physical and nutrition education programs in collaboration with Franklin County school districts.

The grant is one of 67 grants awarded nationwide, totaling more than $33 million in the first year, for schools and community-based organizations create physical activity and nutrition programs for students. The goal of these grants is to give students an appreciation for lifelong healthy nutrition and physical education habits, and make progress toward meeting their state standards for physical education.

“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,” said Rebecca Ryder, president and CEO of Franklin Community Health Network, in the release.


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