A+ Fit Schools Designation and Grants Program

The Problem

North Carolina has the 5th highest rate of childhood obesity in the nation, according to Trust for America's Health. Children and many adults spend a large part of their day in schools across North Carolina.  Although many schools are trying to provide a healthy environment for their students and staff, many students do not get enough physical activity during the day or enough healthy food to fuel their growing minds and bodies. The NC Health and Wellness Trust Fund recognizes that schools are overworked and under funded, which is why HWTF Commissioners stepped in to offer $7500 in grant funding to 10 different schools each year, as well as a public award and designation to 10 separate schools who are successfully providing a healthy environment for students and staff.

HWTF Solution (program description)

  • Based on HWTF Fit Community model 
  • School grants and designation program recognizes and rewards schools for their dedication to providing healthy environments for all students and staff 
  • Two components of program: 
    1. Designation for individual schools 
      • Recognition of schools’ achievement in providing a healthy environment for students and staff 
      • 10 schools are selected based on how they meet the Self-Assessment Criteria 
      • Awards Package: 
        • $1,000 discretionary stipend to individual school as part of the awards package 
        • Press / media kit 
        • Banner for school building 
        • Plaque for principal’s office 
    2. Grants to individual schools 
      • 10 grants for schools (K-12 grades) 
      • $7,500 each for one year 
      • Partnership with ECU to provide technical assistance to apply for grants and designations 
      • Funding can be used for: 
        • Equipment for nutrition services 
        • Staff wellness programs 
        • PE/PA equipment 
        • Certified PE teacher to lead after school activities