Healthy Communities Action Teams to Prevent Childhood Obesity

Background
The Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth (VFHY) is a political subdivision of the Commonwealth of Virginia that awards funding through grants to local partnerships aimed at preventing and reducing childhood obesity and tobacco use. The purpose of this grant is to establish Healthy Communities Action Teams (HCATs) that will implement activities aligned with VFHY's public mission as outlined in the Code of Virginia § 32.1-355.

Work Details
The grant supports the establishment and operation of Healthy Communities Action Teams (HCATs), which must consist of at least five representatives from various local sectors, including community organizations, schools, health departments, and businesses. HCATs are expected to meet at least four times a year and must focus on implementing policy, systems, and environmental changes that promote healthy behaviors among children.

The grant will fund activities categorized into two components:
- Component I focuses on HCAT development and infrastructure building.
- Component II emphasizes community-based obesity prevention practices targeting behaviors such as increasing fruit and vegetable consumption, reducing ultra-processed food intake, and promoting physical activity.

Each HCAT must submit a detailed project workplan outlining specific objectives, strategies, responsible partners, timelines, and expected outcomes.

Period of Performance
The grant period runs from May 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029.

Place of Performance
The contract will be performed in various locations throughout Virginia as determined by the participating HCATs.

Bidder Requirements
Eligible applicants include nonprofit, for-profit, governmental, and charitable organizations operating in Virginia. Applicants must attend a mandatory Pre-Application Conference via Zoom prior to submitting their application. Each HCAT must include at least one community member and provide signed Partner Profile Agreements for all participants detailing their roles.