Five Communities Selected For Alabama Physical Activity And Nutrition Grant

Heaven help them.

"Five Alabama communities have been selected to receive grants of $3,000 each to stimulate community-based physical activity and nutrition programs to reduce risks for overweight and obesity. Receiving funding will be Anniston, Birmingham, Greensboro, Millbrook and Montgomery.

Alabama was selected as one of eight states to receive funds through the Balancing InTake and Expenditure grant from the Chronic Disease Directors Association in early 2009.

Dr. Donald Williamson, state health officer, said, "The funding will be applied to stimulate community-based physical activity and nutrition program planning, implementation, reporting and evaluation to reduce risks for overweight and obesity."

The Alabama Obesity Task Force money was received by the Alabama Department of Public Health and was distributed by the State Obesity Task Force. Members from the Obesity Task Force were instrumental in reviewing submitted applications and selecting recipients.

Fred Smith, with the Walking Club of Jacksonville State University, will use the money to expand current activities. Smith says, 'The Jacksonville State University Walking Club is pleased to partner with the Alabama Department of Public Health on the BITE grant in partnership with local agencies and the communities in the development and acceptance of wellness and health education.'

Bree Garrett, with the Jefferson County Childhood Obesity Task Force in Birmingham, plans to heighten awareness through the development of more promotion materials for local urban farm and low-income inner-city residents."

They are about to fail as all other similarly misdirected efforts have and will.

With initiatives like these, Mississippi is in jeopardy of losing its coveted Number One position.