CSU wins $1M grant to reduce childhood obesity

Colorado State University has won a $991,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for a project designed to reduce childhood obesity, Sen. Michael Bennet’s office said.

The project, known as the Healthy Environments Study, will focus on improving children’s willingness to try new foods by working with preschoolers and their families. The study also will emphasize increasing motor performance and physical activity at school, and strengthening the quality of interactions between children and parents related to eating and exercise at home.

“Childhood obesity is a growing problem affecting the health and well-being of children and families,” Bennet said in a statement. “This grant will help Colorado kids develop healthy habits now that stick with them throughout their lifetime.”

The agricultural department anticipates making $42 million available over the next five years to reduce childhood obesity, with the expectation that projects awarded this year will receive additional funding if they meet certain milestones.

The competitive grant program is authorized under the 2014 Farm Bill and funds projects to address problems related to agriculture forestry, rural communities and human nutrition.

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