December 17, 2007

Community groups planning efforts to get their local families to eat more healthily will be pleased to hear that they may be able to receive support from a new funding stream launched by the Feeding our Futures programme.

Feeding our Futures is a national social marketing programme, delivered by the Health Sponsorship Council, which helps parents and caregivers to achieve healthy diets for kids.

The new funding is available for activities, events or initiatives taking place between February and April 2008, which promote healthy eating outcomes for families or whanau. A further funding round will commence in April 2008.

Funding will be allocated up to the value of $5,000 + GST per project.

Applicants will need to show how the activity is supporting one or more of the Feeding our Futures programme objectives. These include contributing towards increasing parents motivation, confidence and skills in implementing strategies to provide a healthy diet for children. The programme prioritises Maori, Pacific and low income communities.

"We’re delighted to be able to launch this important stage in our programme, and to give communities more support in achieving nutrition outcomes for their families and whanau," said Michelle Mako, Programme Manager, Feeding our Futures. "We look forward to seeing the national programme give more support to those working at a local level and to working with new community based groups."

Healthy Eating - Healthy Action Manager at the West Coast DHB Kim Sinclair says, "the community fund will provide support for West Coast groups that promote and support healthy eating messages".

Funding will be allocated subject to evaluation of the application by the HSC, and a letter of support from Miss Sinclair at the West Coast DHB. The funding round is open from 30 November 2007 until 18 January 2008.

To access the funding guidelines and application form please visit www.feedingourfamilies.org.nz/content/building-community-partnerships-healthy-kai or send an email to Kim Sinclair