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Jacksonville Wins Grant To Fight Childhood Obesity; Healthy Corner Stores Planned

fruit and veggie stand
I'm A Star Foundation

Jacksonville is one of six U.S. cities receiving grants to help fight childhood obesity. The award money will go toward building healthy food stores in so-called food deserts, among other projects. 

Jacksonville placed first in the large-city category in the contest for grants from the American Beverage Association. The $150,000 award, the largest given to any city, will go to support the local nonprofit I’m A Star Foundation in its Healthy Corner Stores and Let’s Move! Jacksonville campaigns.

The corner store initiative targets a part of Northwest Jacksonville with the city's highest diabetes mortality rate.

A news release says young people will partner with churches, community groups and farmers’ markets to make fresh fruit and vegetables more readily available at two new storefronts. The grant will also go to support youth-led healthy eating summits and the promotion of physical activity like biking. 

Jessica Palombo supervises local news gathering and production, podcasts and web editorial content for WJCT News, ADAPT and Jacksonville Today. She is an award-winning writer and journalist with bylines including NPR, Experience Magazine, and The Gainesville Sun. She has a master’s degree in broadcast and digital journalism from Syracuse University and is an alumna of the University of Florida. A nearly lifelong resident of Jacksonville, she considers herself lucky to be raising her own children in her hometown. Follow Jessica Palombo on Twitter: @JaxJessicaP