$150,000 Grant For Commuinity-Based Obesity Prevention program Awarded to BVCAA, Inc.

Local agency and community partners will use funds to increase physical activity and reduce obesity through policy and environmental changes.


For Immediate Release - May 20, 2010

The Brazos Valley Community Action Agency, Inc has been awarded a grant by the Department of State Health Services for a community-based obesity prevention program. Bryan/College Station is one of eleven communities around the state selected to implement programs based on CDC-recommended strategies for healthy eating and active living.

Umbrella Partnerships-BE Active in our Town (UP-BEAT) will focus on policy and environmental changes that lead to maintaining a healthier weight and more active lifestyles. The project will be featured on the DSHS Bringing Healthy Back website www.TexasBringingHealthyBack.org.

Brazos Valley Obesity Prevention Network (BVOPN) – a coalition committed to addressing obesity prevention and promoting healthier lifestyles for Brazos Valley residents – will provide guidance for UP-BEAT and is working to create community partnerships that will support and advance UP-BEAT activities. Partnerships are already underway with Texas AgriLife Extension Services, Texas A&M Health Science Center School of Rural Public Health, Texas Health Institute, and the cities of Bryan and College Station, as well as other organizations.

Project activities will include creating signage for a walking trail through Downtown Bryan and training local youth to conduct community assessments. Information from those assessments will be used to determine future obesity prevention activities and provide policy and environmental information to decision-making boards.

The mission of the Brazos Valley Community Action Agency, Inc. is to assist in the empowerment of individuals, families and communities to reach their full potential economically, educationally, health-wise, culturally and socially. BVCAA, Inc. is a private nonprofit organization established under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 to help combat poverty in America. BVCAA, Inc. serves twelve counties, and offers programs including Head Start and Early Head Start, Housing and Weatherization Services, Meals on Wheels, Individual Development Accounts, J.O.B.S. Program, Community Health Centers and WIC.

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If you would like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with an employee of BVCAA, contact Kari Krueger at 979-777-1971 or via email at KKrueger@BVCAA.org.