National initiative to help governors implement state programs to combat childhood obesity

Our society has become sedentary, and our nation's culture of inactivity and poor nutrition poses disturbing risks to our children's health. Governor Mike Huckabee, Chairman of the National Governors Association (NGA), proposed a broad policy initiative, Healthy America, to address this challenge. The purpose of this project is to help the nation's governors implement major state initiatives to combat obesity, encourage healthy lifestyles, and improve family nutrition in all U.S. states and territories. The NGA Center for Best Practices will educate governors on wellness issues and provide policy tools to support and reward healthier choices. The initiative will have three pillars, reflecting three settings in which governors can play a role in encouraging healthy behaviors--schools, homes/communities, and work sites. The major focus of the initiative, and of the Foundation's support, will be on preventing obesity among children. Through this project, the Center for Best Practices will: (1) raise awareness of the urgent need for all Americans to live healthier, more active lives; (2) convene national health and wellness experts, researchers, and practitioners to discuss obesity prevention and wellness promotion; (3) hold workshops to educate state officials; (4) provide tools to help them implement programs in their states; and (5) create public messages to support the initiative. Deliverables will include two major meetings for governors and senior state officials, as well as a series of publications designed to educate governors and other officials, call them to action, and help them implement realistic policy solutions and programs.

Grant Details

Amount Awarded $562,854.00

Awarded on: 11/2/2005

Time frame: 11/15/2005 - 10/31/2009

Grant Number: 55534