State Rep. Luke Meerman, of Polkton Township, today encouraged elementary and middle schools in his district to apply for Building Healthy Communities, a public-private initiative designed to fight obesity and improve childhood health through school-based wellness programming.

“Building Healthy Communities is going into its 10^th year of making children – and schools – healthier,” Meerman said. “Participating schools have reported positive outcomes for their students, including eating more fruits and vegetables, less screen and video time per day, and more physical activity per week. Applications for the program are easy to complete, and I encourage every school in my district to do so.”

Interested schools may watch a recorded webinar at projecthealthyschools.org/BHC. Any public, charter or private nonprofit school in Michigan is eligible regardless of their free and reduced-price school meal percentage, geographic location or participation in other school wellness grants, programs or initiatives. Rep. Meerman also outlined the relevant deadlines for applying and one is coming up fast!

• Elementary School program applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. on April 27, 2019.
• Middle School program applications will be accepted through 5 p.m. on Mar. 22, 2019.

For more information on Building Healthy Communities or to apply for any of the programs, visit bcbsm.com/buildhealth. Schools with additional questions may also contact Rep. Meerman by calling (517) 373-1830 or emailing [email protected].

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