News release

Thrive! Grants Expand Work on Healthy Eating in Publicly Funded Places

Health and Wellness

Nova Scotians working in or using publicly funded institutions will soon have more options for healthy eating.

The province has announced $350,000 in grants to support new healthy eating policies, menus, training and equipment in health-care settings, sport and recreation facilities, post-secondary schools and provincial and municipal government offices.

"Healthy eating needs to be the easy choice where we live, learn, work and play," said David Wilson, Minister of Health and Wellness. "We already have nationally recognized comprehensive healthy eating policies and standards in schools and child-cares. Now the government is supporting local efforts to improve healthy eating in a wider range of public places."

Expanding food policies in publicly funded institutions is a government commitment through Thrive!, a plan for a healthier Nova Scotia. The plan addresses childhood obesity and preventable chronic disease through 34 actions focused on healthy eating and physical activity.

"Our council advocates for food policies that increase access to affordable healthy eating options for Nova Scotians," said Annick Arseneau, chair, Nova Scotia Nutrition Council. "So I am very pleased that the Department of Health and Wellness is offering grants to help institutions create supportive environments for healthy eating."

Funding of up to $15,000 is available for collaborative and innovative local support of healthy eating policies.

Applications are due Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2013 by 4 p.m. Learn more at http://thrive.novascotia.ca.