Applications Now Available For Healthy Habits For Life School Grants From The Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of Kansas Foundation

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School personnel have until Oct. 5 to apply for a share of $150,000

Applications are now available at bcbsks.com/hhfl so school nurses, teachers and administrators may apply for a Healthy Habits for Life grant to help their students reduce their cardiovascular risk, increase their physical activity or learn healthy eating habits. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Foundation is making up to $150,000 in Healthy Habits for Life grants available for school-based programs delivered during 2019. The deadline to submit an application is Oct. 5. 

Since its creation in 2006, the Healthy Habits for Life grant program has awarded more than $1.32 million through nearly 1,400 grants. School personnel have used past grant dollars for a wide array of programs focused on instilling life-long habits. Some grantees have invested in equipment for physical education classes, nutritional and wellness curriculum or pedometers for walking programs. Others have built gardens, organized health fairs or given students opportunities to taste healthy new foods. 

"Kansas children are so lucky to have teachers and administrators who care about more than just their academic success, but also about their overall health and well-being," said Marlou Wegener, chief operating officer of the BCBSKS Foundation. "School is where children spend the vast majority of their time, so our schools are an ideal place for children to learn those healthy habits that will last them a lifetime. 

Wegener encourages school nurses, physical education, health and family and consumer science teachers, athletics directors, principals and other school administrators to visit bcbsks.com/hhfl for a program overview, application and tip sheet. Only one application per school will be accepted, so Wegener also encourages teachers and administrators to collaborate. 

"School personnel are on the front line in the on-going campaign to end childhood obesity in Kansas, and the BCBSKS Foundation is proud to support their efforts by providing financial assistance for programs that will make a difference," Wegener said. "What a powerful message students will receive when they see several of their teachers working together on a program to benefit all of them." 

Healthy Habits for Life grants are available in the service area of the BCBSKS Foundation which includes all Kansas counties except Johnson and Wyandotte. The maximum grant amount is $1,000 and grants are limited to one per school. 

Applications must be postmarked or received electronically no later than Oct. 5 with the funds distributed in mid-December. Grant recipients may use the funds for programs offered during the 2019 calendar year. A grant application and additional information is available at bcbsks.com/hhfl

About the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Foundation 
The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Foundation promotes the good health of Kansans who live in the Foundation’s 103-county service area. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, the largest health insurer in the state, incorporated the Foundation in 2005 as a way to further deepen its commitment to helping all Kansans lead healthier lives, an effort which both entities believe is an essential factor in keeping health care affordable. Through its giving, the Foundation focuses on key health issues that can impact the lives of many Kansans. It funds programs and activities that are, at their core, health-related; specifically, ones that promote health improvement, community health access and/or education, healthy behaviors, prevention initiatives and direct health services to the uninsured. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Foundation and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas are independent licensees of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Both entities serve all Kansas counties except Johnson and Wyandotte. For more information on the Foundation, visit bcbsks.com/foundation
 

The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association is an association of 35 independent, locally operated Blue Cross and/or Blue Shield companies.