Rowan commissioners endorse grant to help kids get healthier

By Jessie Burchette

jburchette@salisburypost.com

County commissioners have endorsed a grant proposal that could alter the daily habits of hundreds of students at Millbridge Elementary School.

The Rowan County Cooperative Extension Service is seeking a $60,000 grant for a two-year healthy living project at the school.

Grant funds would be used to create an outdoor student teaching center and walking trail and paths at the school.

The teaching center would be used to instruct all 528 students about healthy living while the walking trails and paths would provide a safe place for children to participate in a daily walking program with teachers.

The preliminary application cites the epidemic of childhood obesity. It notes Salisbury Pediatric Associates reports 30 percent of Rowan children are obese or overweight.

Jim Cowden, director of the Cooperative Extension Service, said the application will go to Active Living by Design, a non-profit organization.

He said Darrell Blackwelder, horticulture agent with the Extension Service, and Toi Degree, family consumer scientist, developed the project and are working with staff at Millbridge Elementary.

Getting the commissioners' endorsement is an early step in the process. Cowden said the endorsement allows the pre-application process to go forward.

Officials expect to hear next month if they can forward with the complete project application.

If the project is funded, Cowden said, it could serve as a pilot for similar programs at other schools.

Contact Jessie Burchette at 704-797-4254.