Clackamas County grants seek to foster healthy eating, active living ...

Fifteen local organizations will receive a combined $102,482 from the Clackamas County Health, Housing and Human Services Department's Healthy Eating, Active Living grants program.

Grant recipients include nonprofits, agencies and schools working to promote health through fitness, nutrition classes, education, and community gardening.

The grants, funded by money allocated by the Clackamas County commissioners in 2010, are intended to reduce the prevalence of chronic disease and empower residents to take steps toward improving their overall health.

Community garden

AntFarm Inc., run by the Woape organization of Sandy, will use its $8,000 grant to expand its community garden program. Last year, AntFarm volunteers, including many youths, produced two tons of food. Much of the harvest was shared with food banks.

Woape's executive director, Nunpa, who goes by one name, says the garden will double in size and produce even more food for the community thanks to the grant.

"We are very excited," he says. "For youth in our program, the garden teaches nutrition awareness, a sense of community and ownership in doing the work together."

By the end of June, AntFarm plans to open a youth-operated caf? utilizing food grown in the community garden for smoothies and more. AntFarm is at 39140 Proctor Blvd.

Healthy Habits camp

With funds from a $7,209 HEAL grant, the North Clackamas Parks and Recreation District will introduce a "healthy habits" day camp this summer. Fourth- through eighth graders will participate in hands-on cooking exercises and cooking demos led by staff from the county's Oregon State University Extension Service office.

Campers will also participate in fitness activities, including yoga, Zumba, aerobics and recess games. Beth Meyer, recreation supervisor at North Clackamas Parks and Recreation, says the program will pair the fun of a camp experience with healthy living components. North Clackamas School District is partnering with the parks district for the project.

The camp's cost will be low and some scholarships will be awarded, says Meyer. Details will be posted at ncprd.com in coming months.

Child care training

Last year, Child Care Resource & Referral of Clackamas County offered its "Steps to Health" training to 12 child care providers, who were coached in incorporating healthy snacks and movement activities. A grant of $8,000 will expand the training to 35 providers and offer on-site coaching for 15 in-home day cares or child care centers, according to Diane Smith, health, safety and nutrition specialist for early childhood education at Clackamas Education Service District.

Other groups receiving Healthy Eating, Active Living grants:

$6,950 for Boring Middle School to build a school garden and greenhouse that will promote nutrition education and physical activity through gardening.

$7,913 to the Canby Community Garden Association for community gardens in the Canby area.

$8,000 for Cascade Heights Public Charter School in Clackamas for promoting fitness and nutrition among students and creating a healthier work environment for staff.

$8,000 for Clackamas County Juvenile Department to promote healthy eating and local food preparation.

$8,000 to the Colton School District for a 1-mile walking trail promoting student, teacher and community fitness.

$7,660 to the Friends of Robinwood Station Community Center for a community garden and for gardening, cooking and food preservation education.

$8,000 for Metropolitan Family Service's healthy eating, active living after-school and evening programs for children and families in the North Clackamas School District.

$5,450 for Milwaukie High School to promote healthy eating and increase access to healthy foods during the school day.

$7,810 to Northwest Family Services in Milwaukie for nutrition education and food awareness in after-school programs and more.

$890 to Northwest Housing Alternatives in Milwaukie for a community garden and healthy recipes cookbook for low-income residents.

$8,000 to OSU Extension, Clackamas County, for a "Plot to Plate" program that will provide gardening and food preparation instruction in Canby, Oregon City and Sandy.

$2,600 to construct a greenhouse at Springwater Environmental Sciences Charter School in Oregon City.

These grant announcements represent the second round of HEAL grants. In spring 2011, the county awarded $88,000 to 13 organizations.

- Erika Weisensee

Source: http://www.oregonlive.com/oregon-city/index.ssf/2012/02/clackamas_county_grants_seek_t.html

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