Let’s Move Pittsburgh offers mini grants to fund existing or future healthy initiatives for children.
Early childcare centers, pre-kindergarten and elementary schools in Allegheny County are invited to submit applications for Let’s Move Pittsburgh’s Champion Schools Program. These $1,000 mini grants will be awarded to 40 organizations to fund new and existing programs that promote children’s health and well-being. The deadline for applications is Fri., March 17, and winners will be announced Mon., May 1.
Let’s Move Pittsburgh, a program of Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, hopes that these grants will inspire educators to encourage children to develop healthy physical activity and eating habits.
Projects eligible for funding through the Champion Schools Awards must focus on at least one of the following areas:
- Bag the Junk: Remove unhealthy foods and increase healthy food and nutrition education in schools
- Get Kids Moving: Increase physical activity before, during and after the school day
- Teach Kids to Grow and Cook Food: Increase knowledge of how to grow and prepare healthy food
In 2016, Hillcrest Christian Academy was one of the winners of the Let’s Move Pittsburgh Champion School Awards for their Hillcrest Grows! program. This program aims to cultivate a “farm to table” mentality in students. Each grade level is provided with a raised garden bed that they tend to each week, and they have the opportunity to eat the fruits (or veggies) of their labors during school lunch!
Educators, administrators, students, food service directors, school nurses and parents are eligible to apply for these awards on behalf of a licensed early childhood center, pre-kindergarten or elementary school in Allegheny County. All applicants must receive permission from their school’s principal to apply for funds. To apply, please fill out the online form at this link: http://letsmovepittsburgh.org/champion. Applications close Fri., March 17 at 5 p.m.
Let’s Move Pittsburgh’s Champion Schools grants are generously funded by The Heinz Endowments.
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About Let’s Move Pittsburgh: Modeled after former First Lady Michelle Obama’s national Let’s Move! campaign to raise awareness about the benefits of healthy foods, increased exercise and decreased screen time — Let’s Move Pittsburgh is a program of Phipps and a collaborative effort to improve the health of children in southwestern Pennsylvania. Let’s Move Pittsburgh’s programs are made possible with the generous support of UPMC Health Plan, Hillman Family Foundation and The Heinz Endowments.
About Phipps: Founded in 1893, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Pittsburgh, Pa. is a green leader among public gardens with a mission to inspire and educate all with the beauty and importance of plants; to advance sustainability and promote human and environmental well-being through action and research; and to celebrate its historic glasshouse. Learn more: phipps.conservatory.org.