For the current grant cycle, the John Rex Endowment is requesting proposals for projects that focus on childhood overweight and obesity prevention in Wake County.
The John Rex Endowment made a commitment in 2006 to promote healthy weight in Wake County’s children. At the time, it was estimated that more than 15% of children and adolescents were obese.
[1] Childhood overweight and obesity continues to be a critical concern for Wake County. In 2009, of Wake County children ages 2-4 participating in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program or being seen at child health clinics, a staggering 16.9% were overweight and 17.4% were obese. Among children ages 5-11, the percentages increase to 18.1% and 25.1% respectively.
[2] Further, although population estimates based on the NC Child Health Assessment and Monitoring Program survey are not available at the county-level, data suggests that of all NC children ages 10-17 in the Piedmont region 14.3% are overweight and 13.7% are obese.
[3]
The one thing we know for certain is that there is no single solution to the complex problem of childhood overweight and obesity. Children’s activity levels and eating habits are heavily influenced by factors beyond their control, and even the decisions they can make for themselves are shaped by what they see others around them doing. Therefore, the John Rex Endowment is interested in supporting overweight and obesity prevention strategies that (1) have a wide public impact, (2) lead to long-lasting preventive benefits, and (3) change policies or the environment to support healthy weight.
Support is available for assessment, planning, and implementation grants.
Click here to access the forum for
questions and answers. The forum includes frequently asked questions as well as questions submitted by interested parties.
Although a detailed evaluation plan is not required until a proposal is funded, we encourage you to think through your major evaluation activities and associated costs. Click here to access
John Rex Endowment Evaluation Guidelines. (PDF)
[1] Ogden, C., & Carroll, M. (2010).
Prevalence of Obesity Among Children and Adolescents: United States, Trends 1963–1965 Through 2007–2008. National Center for Health Statistics. Available from http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/overwt.htm
[2] North Carolina Nutrition and Physical Activity Surveillance System. (2009). Raleigh, NC: NC Department of Health and Human Services Nutrition Services Branch. Available from http://www.nutritionnc.com/nutrsurv.htm
[3] North Carolina Child Health Assessment and Monitoring Program (CHAMP) Survey Data. (2010). Raleigh, NC: NC Department of Health and Human Services State Center for Health Statistics. Available from http://www.schs.state.nc.us/SCHS/champ/2010/bmi_cat10.html
