Wellness Grant Funding to Help Build Healthier Communities

The province is investing $250,000 to help more Nova Scotians get healthier. The investment is part of government's plan to make life better for families by preventing and managing a range of chronic diseases.

Health and Wellness Minister Maureen MacDonald made the announcement at the 2011 Community Health Board Provincial Conference, today, Oct. 21 in Greenwich, Kings Co.

"This funding fulfills our commitment to create healthy living grants," said Ms. MacDonald. "We want communities to expand what they are doing to make Nova Scotia a healthier place."

The funding is in addition to the more than $450,000 community health boards now receive, bringing the annual wellness grant total to more than $700,000.

Community health boards receive money from district health authorities then decide how it is to be used, based on community needs. Projects have included support for school and community gardens so youth can learn how to grow and prepare food, and an outdoor ice rink for community use.

The funding will lay the groundwork to make Nova Scotia a healthier place and help build the foundation for the province's Childhood Obesity Prevention Strategy.