Foundation grants help schools promote healthy lifestyles

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Foundation

TOPEKA – School nurses, teachers and administrators can now apply for a Healthy Habits for Life grant at bcbsks.com/hhfl. 

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Foundation is offering up to $200,000 in grants to assist schools in implementing programs that promote healthy lifestyle choices to their K-12 students. 

These school-based programs must address at least one of four criteria: reduce cardiovascular risk, increase physical activity, learn healthy eating habits, and reinforce positive mental health among students. The deadline to submit an application is Oct. 20.

Since its creation in 2005, the Healthy Habits for Life grant program has awarded nearly $2 million through more than 1,900 grants. 

School personnel have used past grant dollars to educate students on healthy portion sizes, begin a daily walking program for students before or after school, invest in equipment for physical education classes, and much more.

“Our goal is to empower school personnel to create innovative programs that inspire students to embrace healthy habits, not only within the school environment but in their daily lives,” said Marlou Wegener, chief operating officer of the BCBSKS Foundation. “Poor health in students can lead to serious medical issues and effect the long-term physical and mental health as students become adults. We believe that by investing in the well-being of young Kansans, we can contribute to a healthier future for our entire state.”

Healthy Habits for Life grants are available in the service area of the BCBSKS Foundation, which includes all Kansas counties except Johnson and Wyandotte. The maximum grant amount is $2,000 and grants are limited to one per school but multiple schools within a district can apply.

Applications must be received no later than Oct. 20, with the funds distributed in mid-December. Grant recipients may use the funds for programs offered during the 2024 calendar year. 

School nurses, physical education, health and family and consumer science teachers, athletics directors, principals and other school administrators are encouraged to visit bcbsks.com/hhfl for a program overview, application and tip sheet.