MONTGOMERY— Gov. Robert Bentley is supporting efforts to reduce childhood obesity in northwest Alabama by awarding a $116,491 grant to Childcare Education Resources Inc.
Studies indicate that Alabama has one of the highest rates of childhood obesity in the nation. More than 36 percent of Alabama children are overweight or obese according to a report by the National Initiative for Children’s Healthcare Quality.
The Appalachian Regional Commission grant will establish the Active Children Thrive project. Two staff members will provide on-site training to employees of 16 childcare centers in Colbert, Franklin, Lauderdale, Marion and Winston counties. The training will focus on methods to promote healthier eating and lifestyle habits among children. Training topics include the importance of healthy nutrition, the value of increased physical activity and the need to limit time spent with televisions and computers.
“Childhood obesity is a major concern across the country and one that we should begin addressing in our homes,” Bentley said. “I am pleased to support this project to help Alabama youth live healthier lives.”
There are 55 childcare centers operating in the five-county service area of the project.
Matching funds of $56,350 will supplement the grant.
The Appalachian Regional Commission was established in 1965 as a supplemental grant program to raise the standard of living, improve the quality of life and promote economic development in the Appalachian mountain region. The region includes 37 Alabama counties.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs manages the ARC program in Alabama. ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, economic development, workforce development, recreation, energy conservation and water resource management.
Contact: Russell Sellers, Larry Childers