The Centers for Disease Control announced last week that $373 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 would be released to fund the first part of a new $650 million public health initiative called Communities Putting Prevention to Work. This initiative will put money into the hands of communities, states, and territories with the goals of reducing risk factors for chronic diseases and promoting wellness. Increased consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables is proven as a simple way to accomplish both objectives.

According to the CDC, the initial $373 million will support grants to be awarded through a competitive selection process to communities to support evidence-based prevention strategies for youths and adults and to promote partnerships across communities and sectors.

"State and local programs that fight obesity by encouraging healthier eating and increased consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables are a great example of a fund-worthy project," said Dr. Lorelei DiSogra, vice president of nutrition and health for United Fresh. "Given our longstanding cooperation with CDC, we are excited about what this funding can accomplish."

Funded projects must fall into one of two categories: Obesity, Physical Activity and Nutrition, or Tobacco Prevention and Control. Ideal projects will emphasize high-impact, broad-reaching policy, environmental, and systems changes in schools, communities, and states.

Approximately 30-40 community awardees will be selected for the Communities Putting Prevention to Work initiative. Communities that wish to apply for awards can find more information at www.grants.gov. The application deadline for the community projects is December 1, 2009.

An additional $277 million will be made available in the coming weeks to states, territories, and other organizations and networks to support and extend the reach and impact of the community projects. The deadlines for the state, territory, and other prevention projects that are part of the Communities Putting Prevention to Work initiative will be announced soon.

More information on the efforts of CDC and the Department of Health and Human Services in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act can be found online at http://www.hhs.gov/recovery/.