Kane groups get grants to combat obesity in kids

• Reprints

Updated: January 19, 2012 10:37AM

Eleven Kane County agencies and community groups will receive additional funding to battle childhood obesity and promote healthier lifestyles for children.

The Healthy Living Council of Aurora, Northern Illinois Food Bank, the Elgin Harvest Market and the Batavia School District are among the recipients of the grants, issued by the Kane County Fit For Kids Funders Consortium. The grants range from $1,200 to $10,000.

“We’re trying to make sure that the whole county has opportunities,” Kane County Health Department spokesman Tom Schlueter said.

The grant money comes from several local sources and totals more than $68,000. The goal is to foster active, healthy lifestyles for children, Schlueter said.

The organizations that won the grant funding are also part of the Fit Kids 2020 plan. More information on the initiative and the organization can be found at www.makingkanefitforkids.org.

The Healthy Living Council of Aurora will be focusing on employee wellness. The Northern Illinois Food Bank will be working with local pantries and schools to expand their refrigeration capacity so that more fresh produce and dairy products can be distributed.

The city of Batavia and the Batavia Public Schools are working to install walking route signs for schools. The Downtown Elgin Harvest Market will be working to expand the number of farmer’s markets in Aurora that accept Link payments.

Other grant recipients include: Elgin Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee; Elgin Community Garden Network; Highland Fellowship Church of Elgin; village of South Elgin; West Aurora School District; Northern Illinois University-Aurora Farmers Market; and Dreyer Medical Clinic in Aurora.