GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Almost two dozen Wisconsin counties will share $6.6 million dollars in federal funds to promote various aspects of public health. The Wisconsin Clearinghouse for Prevention Resources announced the grants Tuesday as part of a larger campaign called “Transform Wisconsin.” Among other things, the funding will help local wellness programs provide fresh fruits and vegetables to school cafeterias – create affordable options for physical activity – and promote smoke-free apartment buildings. UW Madison operates the state’s prevention clearinghouse.Live54218, a program with the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce was awarded $320,000 for their Eat Smart, Get Active Brown County initiative. The grant will strengthen its farm-to-school program, where K-12 students get more local fresh vegetables and fruits in the lunch room. Another Live54218 program strives to increase kids’ physical activity by promoting and rolling out more open gyms between schools and community agencies. It will be a collaborative effort involving Green Bay schools, YMCA, Boys & Girls Clubs, UWGB, New Leaf Foods, city of Green Bay, and the Brown County Health Department, among other organizations. Dane County received grants in three-of-the-four available categories which are called “Active Communities,” “Healthy Food Systems,” “Tobacco-Free,” and “Transformation.” UW prevention services director Tom Sieger says “Transform Wisconsin” reminds us that good health does not just happen in the doctor’s office – and the goal is for the next generation of kids to grow up in places which promote active, healthy lifestyles.


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