WBF: Healthy Eating & Active Living

Overview

Healthy Eating & Active Living

Communities across the nation are facing a growing prevalence of obesity and associated preventable chronic diseases – the Tri-State is no different. Currently, in our region, one-third of adults are obese – higher than the national average. Tri-State children are also affected, with a third of our youth either obese or overweight. Unfortunately, excess weight dramatically increases the risk of many conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, and some cancers. In January 2016, the World Health Organization warned, “…obesity is particularly concerning and has the potential to negate many of the health benefits that have contributed to increased life expectancy.” In their 2012 report, Trust for America’s Health cautioned, “…the current generation of young people could be the first in U.S. history to live sicker and die younger than their parents’ generation.” The solution is not in access to health care alone because obesity is difficult and expensive to treat. Prevention is necessary – through community solutions focused on policy, systems, and environmental changes – ultimately leading to lifestyles that incorporate healthy eating and active living.

Social Determinants of Health

There’s a lot of discussion today focused on the Social Determinants of Health. These are defined as the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age and include factors like socioeconomic status, education, neighborhood, and physical environment, employment, and social support networks as well as access to health care.

There are a growing number of programs and initiatives working to address the Social Determinants of Health both within and outside of the healthcare system.

Health Equity

The underlying message of the “Social Determinants of Health” is that the conditions in which people live have a more significant impact on their overall state of health than their genetics. Access to quality food, education, transportation, and living conditions all play a critical part in our health.

The concept of “Equity versus Equality” challenges the idea that giving “equal” treatment to every individual is adequate. Instead, equitable treatment accounts for individual/community needs and unique sets of circumstances.

This month, we’re taking what we’ve learned from each of the past two advocacy topics (the Social Determinants of Health and Equity versus Equality) as we look at Health Equity.

Understanding Health Equity is a vital piece in moving the needle in health outcomes. If we understand the relationship between “equity” and the Social determinants of Health (access to quality food, affordable housing, education, transportation, stable income, and stable relationships), we are more likely to create sustainable change.

Our Investment

A culture of Healthy Eating & Active Living will contribute to the following community changes:

* More residents of all ages are meeting the recommended guidelines for nutrition and physical activity
* Fewer residents of all ages will have weight-related chronic disease

The Foundation has identified four specific priorities that rely on comprehensive planning and systemic change:

* Nutritious Food and Beverage Availability – Increasing opportunities for healthy eating
* Physical Activity Access – Increasing opportunities for active living
* Healthy Environments – Increasing opportunities to facilitate systems change
* Motivate Usage – Encouraging individuals to make healthy choices

Eligibility

_You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website._

* All applicant organizations must be nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) and further defined as public charities 509(a)(1), also known as 170(b)(1)(1A) groups.
* Secular and faith-based nonprofit organizations are eligible for funding.

* Faith-based organizations are legal nonprofit entities which have either their origin in a religious organization or have been founded by individuals who share a purpose, all of which have a primary mission to further religious principles and practices through programs of philanthropic good works.

* All applicant organizations, prospective programs, projects and services must be located within the geographic area previously served by Welborn Baptist Hospital. The Foundation’s funding region includes these Tri-State counties:

* Indiana:

* Dubois, Gibson, Perry, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Vanderburgh, Warrick

* Illinois:

* Gallatin, Saline, Wabash, Wayne, White

* Kentucky:

* Henderson

Ineligibility

* The following program and project areas will not be considered for funding:

* Scholarships, loans, grants or fellowship support directly to or for the benefit of specific individuals
* Establishment of, or contributions to a foundation, endowment, trust or permanent interest-bearing account
* Propaganda or attempt to influence legislation or public election
* Organizations not in compliance with all local, state and federal laws and regulations regarding discrimination
* Government agencies reporting to an elected or appointed official (except for schools governed by citizens boards)
* Funding for deficits or retirement of debt
* Fundraising events or annual fund drives
* Venture capital for competitive profit-making ventures
* Basic scientific research