NEW CITY – The Rockland County Department of Health 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.
