NEW CITY – The Rockland
County Department of Health has received a “Creating Healthy Schools
and Communities” grant from the state Department of Health.
The grant is aimed at increasing access to physical activity and healthy
nutrition for students and residents as a way to reduce risk factors for
students and residents as a way to reduce risk factors for obesity.
Over the next five years, the county health department will work with
the East Ramapo Central School District and towns of Ramapo and Clarkstown
on several projects to increase access to physical activity and healthy
food options.
The program will provide funds to improve policies, practices, and environmental
supports that make the healthy choice the easy choice.
“We have been working with school districts and municipalities on
obesity prevention strategies for many years,” said Rockland Health
Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert. “This grant will help
us to take it to the next level.”
With technical support from the Eat Smart New York program, the district
will update its wellness policy to comply with current federal regulations
and nutritional guidelines, as well as implement Smarter Lunchrooms in
each school. Smarter Lunchrooms is a research-based approach to the school
cafeteria environment that enhances child nutrition.
