Erie 1 BOCES Awarded Two Five Year Grants from New York State Department of Health Creating Healthy Schools and Communities Grants Aim to Reduce Obesity in High-Need WNY Communities

Erie 1 BOCES (E1B), Senator Tim Kennedy (D-Buffalo), Deputy Erie County Executive Maria Whyte and several representatives from Erie and Cattaraugus Counties, announced the receipt of two five year Creating Healthy Schools and Communities grants from New York State Department of Health. These competitive grants are awarded to deserving communities with high need populations and aim to reduce obesity by increasing demand for healthier foods and increased options for physical activity.

Key community partners in this grant are Healthy Community Alliance, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Erie County, and GObike Buffalo.

“On behalf of the team at Erie 1 BOCES and the exceptional grant team here today, thank you to the New York State Department of Health for entrusting our team to fulfill the two five year grant awards,” said Kate Huber, Erie 1 BOCES School and Community Wellness Coordinator. “This grant initiative will strengthen the health of the community and build resistance as we become more proactive with our health at a critical time. The assistance and resources will enable the school districts and communities we serve to implement sustainable policy, systems, and environmental changes.”

The grant team will provide technical assistance, coaching and resources to eight school districts in Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Erie Counties (Cheektowaga Central, Cheektowaga Sloan, Lackawanna, Maryvale, Randolph, Salamanca City, Springville Griffith Institute and West Valley School Districts) and the communities that surround them.

“Every student deserves the right to a quality education, but not every child has the tools to succeed at their fingertips. Access to proper nutrition and healthy food options is a critical component of the learning process, and New York is stepping up to ensure our students are properly nourished,” said Senator Tim Kennedy. “These incredible community-based partnerships will bring this “culture of wellness” directly into our schools, fueling healthy families and fostering sustainable choices and activity.”

Deputy County Executive Maria Whyte shared, “Through Live Well Erie, Erie County actively works to ensure the health and wellness of every resident. As such, we are excited to support Erie 1 BOCES as they work to i prove the health and well being of all those who live, learn, work and play in Cheektowaga, Lackawanna and Springville.”

The goal of the grant is to develop schools and their surrounding communities into places where it is easier to practice healthy behaviors. This effort has expected outcomes that include but are not limited to:

  • increased number of schools with healthy nutrition environments; standards for competitive foods and food marketing to children;
  • increased number of schools with comprehensive and strong Local Wellness Policies;
  • increased number of community organizations, municipalities, and worksites that have adopted healthy food standards.

“Cattaraugus County Department of Economic Development Planning and tourism looks forward to supporting Erie 1 BOCES and its partners on another round of Creating Healthy Schools and Communities funding,” stated Kate O’Stricker, Development Specialist, Cattaraugus County Department of Economic Development. “The technical assistance, resources and coaching provided by the grant team encourages and enables long lasting changes in our most vulnerable communities.”

Specific to opportunities for physical activity the grant team aims to increase the number of schools with Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs. The following outcomes are:

  • increased access to places to walk, bicycle, and wheel; and
  • increased number of local policies that have language supportive of environmental changes that enhance walking, bicycling, and rolling.

“Maryvale School District and Erie 1 BOCES have a proven track record of collaboration,” stated Betsy Giangreco, Assistant Superintendent, Maryvale School District. “Our teams work to maintain open and consistent communication and we look forward to continuing this relationship for the benefit of our students and families.”

Returning a community to good health and ensuring programs are in place to promote wellness is the role of an anchor hospital in any community. Bertrand Chaffee Hospital will work with the grant team to continue to develop policies and programs that make the healthy choice the easy choice for their staff, patients and visitors.

“As we welcome the community into our new health center building we feel this is the perfect time to bring in the support of Creating Healthy Schools and Communities,” stated Kelly Campbell, Development and Community Relations Director, Bertrand Chaffee Hospital. “ This grant is a natural extension of our ongoing effort to educate young people and their families on healthy behaviors while also improving healthy offerings for staff and patients. Our relationship with Healthy Community Alliance goes back many years and we are proud to stand here today in this collaborative partnership with Erie 1 BOCES.”

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About Creating Healthy Schools & Communities 

Erie 1 BOCES is proud to implement the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) Creating Healthy Schools and Communities (CHSC) initiative. CHSC is a five-year (2021-2026) public health effort to reduce major risk factors of chronic illnesses by increasing access to healthy, affordable foods and opportunities for daily physical activity in high-need school districts and their associated communities. The school districts currently involved in this effort are Cheektowaga Central, Cheektowaga Sloan, Lackawanna, Maryvale, Randolph, Salamanca City, Springville Griffith Institute, and West Valley. To learn more visit: www.e1b.org/en/instructionalsupport-creating-healthy-schools-and-communities.aspx