The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #71844

Frances E. Jemmott, Senior Program Officer, The California Wellness Foundation, 6320 Canoga Ave, Suite 1700, Woodland Hills, CA 91367, 818-715-1957, FJemmott@aol.com

When given the opportunity to identify important health issues, young people often prioritize nutrition and physical fitness. The California Wellness Foundation (TCWF) has developed an approach to funding nutrition and physical activity programs that use youth leadership development as a method for creating healthier communities, while empowering young adults as youth leaders. TCWF’s approach allows those youth organizations not otherwise actively engaged in health promotion to qualify for nutrition and physical activity funding in their communities. TCWF’s grants provide funds for the planning and implementation of direct services such as health education and health promotion, as well as supply resources for core operating activities. This combination of core operating and project related grants enables grantees to maximize their resources for engaging young people. The grants allow youth to work in leadership roles alongside adults to determine the health-related assets that exist in their environments, to define what makes a healthy community, and to plan improvements that build on the existing strengths while addressing important health needs. By encouraging these young adults to take control of their lives and get involved, the program is empowering them to make a difference in the larger community. This presentation will describe the youth grant making program and will provide some specific examples of TCWF grantees' work aimed at improving nutrition and physical activity in low income, diverse communities.

Learning Objectives:

• 3. Describe how TCWF’s funding approach maximizes grantee efforts to engage youth.
  6. Understand how youth organizations can be engaged in nutrition and physical activity promotion.
  9. Describe youth leadership development programs in low income, diverse communities.

Keywords: Obesity, Nutrition

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Samuels & Associates, The California Endowment, The California Wellness Foundation and CANFit
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.