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Obesity rates among children have increased sharply throughout the United States. Over the past three decades, the prevalence of obese children has tripled. Today, nearly one out of three children are overweight or obese. A recent study conducted among children in grades from first to 11th, found that one-third of Idaho students were classified as overweight or obese ¹.

The Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health wants to reverse the childhood obesity epidemic in Idaho. The Foundation will award grants up to $20,000 for innovative child nutrition and physical activity programs in Idaho. There will be an option for a second year of funding at half of the first year’s award amount.

Lack of healthy eating and physical activity are leading causes of obesity. When children and adolescents have healthy eating and physical activity habits, it decreases their risk of becoming overweight. Many children eat foods that are high in fat, drink beverages that are high in sugar and do not eat enough fruits and vegetables. Additionally, many children spend less time doing quality physical activities and spend too much time being sedentary. The Foundation wants to help reverse these problems by funding sustainable, evidence-based projects that address the following topic(s):

1) Promote healthy food and beverage options for Idaho children

Preferred proposals could include, but are not limited to, the following idea(s):

• Initiation of a new nutrition education program
• Classroom curriculum focusing on healthy food and beverages
• Healthy vending
• Garden development
• Improving access to fresh fruits and vegetables
• Piloting a potential policy that focuses on healthy food and/or beverages for children
• Public education about healthy food and beverages for children
• Decreasing the availability and consumption of less healthy food and beverages

Target settings could include schools, childcare centers, afterschool programs, and community settings such as community centers/programs, restaurants, corner stores, or convenience stores.

2) Increase the intensity and frequency of physical activity among Idaho children

Preferred proposals could include, but are not limited to, the following idea(s):

• Initiation of a new physical activity program
• Classroom curriculum focusing on increasing the intensity and frequency of physical activity
• Piloting a potential policy that focuses on increasing the intensity and frequency of physical activity among children
• Promoting access to opportunities for physical activity
• Reducing sedentary screen time (i.e., television and video games)

Target settings could include schools, childcare centers, after school programs, and community settings such as parks and recreation programs, or community center/programs.

3) Investigative research exploring the obesity epidemic in Idaho

Research should provide a better understanding of healthy eating and physical activity among Idaho children. Preferred research could investigate, but are not limited to, the following idea(s):

• Prevalence of overweight and obese children
• Current food practices and healthy food options for children
• Current levels of physical activity among children
• Current built environment in Idaho -- thebuildings and infrastructure constructed by people which are settings for physical activity, for example: the number of parks, walking/biking paths, sidewalks, bike lanes, complete streets, recreational centers, grocery stores, community gardens, famers markets, etc…

Proposals can address more than one of the desired topics. Such as, an evidence-based curriculum that addresses selecting nutritious foods and increasing physical activity.

Target Populations

Priority will be given to applications that target low-income children in areas where there is a stated need. To demonstrate the need, please use the Obesity Epidemic In Idaho Report, which highlights Idaho specific data. Please see the resources link for the document.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible organizations include governmental agencies, Universities, Colleges, and public charities that are tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Organizations must be Idaho based and the target population must be Idaho children.

Funding will not support ongoing operating expenses, endowment or capitol costs, research on drug therapies or devices, direct support of staff, or lobbying.

Application Process

The application process has two stages:

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1: The Obesity Epidemic in Idaho: A Report Describing the Burden of Obesity in Idaho (2011). Available at www.healthandwelfare.idaho.gov

Proposal Template

Budget Template

Frequently Asked Questions

Resources

The Obesity Epidemic in Idaho: A report describing the burden of obesity in Idaho

Healthy Eating, Active LIving Idaho: Nutrition and physical activity framework 2011 - 2013

Contact:

• For more information about the childhood obesity prevention grants please email:

  grants@bcidahofoundation.org