The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has announced expanded funding of 5-2-1-0 – Healthy Choices Count!, which began in 2017 in Iowa. Five new communities, including Ottumwa, will receive grants, while 11 communities currently funded for the initiative will receive additional grants.
Area 15 Regional Planning is coordinating the effort in Ottumwa. Representatives from various community organizations will begin meeting in October to determine how the funds will support local efforts to create environments that support healthy choices.
Bringing evidence-based strategies for healthy living into communities, schools, early care and out-of-school programs, health care practices and workplaces, 5-2-1-0 Healthy Choices Count! reaches children and adults where they live, learn, work and play.
New communities each receiving $30,000 in FY21 include:
- Ottumwa, Wapello County
- Scranton, Greene County
- Sergeant Bluff, Woodbury County
- Spencer, Clay County
- Winterset, Madison County
Communities receiving a second year of funding at $10,000 include:
- Cherokee, Cherokee County
- Grinnell, Poweshiek County
- Hampton, Franklin County
- Missouri Valley, Harrison County
- Waterloo, Black Hawk County
- Storm Lake, Buena Vista County
Communities receiving a final year of funding at $5,000 include:
- Clinton, Clinton County
- Keosauqua, Van Buren County
- Manning, Carroll County
- Mason City, Cerro Gordo County
- Mount Ayr, Ringgold County
5-2-1-0 helps keep kids healthy by focusing on four numbers:
- 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables;
- 2 hours or less of screen time (television, computer, video games, phones, etc.)
- 1 hour or more of physical activity
- 0 (or reduce) sugar-sweetened beverages, more water
To learn more about the 5-2-1-0 program please visit www.iowahealthieststate.com.