WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Jeff Bingaman and Tom Udall today announced that Jemez Pueblo will receive $859,101 through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to support public health efforts to reduce obesity, increase physical activity and improve nutrition.
The funding is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service's comprehensive prevention and wellness initiative, Communities Putting Prevention to Work (CPPW), and will allow Jemez Pueblo to promote and support healthier choices among residents by increasing the availability of healthy foods and beverages and improving access to safe places for physical activity.
"Obesity has reached a crisis level in our country, and it's having a negative impact that can be measured in poor health and extremely high health care costs. This grant will help Jemez Pueblo play a constructive role in preventing obesity and promoting healthy lifestyles," Bingaman said. "I applaud First Lady Michelle Obama for her involvement in this important health issue."
"This funding will help Jemez Pueblo continue to expand access to healthy food choices in an area where availability is often a problem," Udall said. "By giving individuals and families the tools they need to promote healthier lifestyles at home, school and work, the health of the entire tribe will improve."
Forty-four communities across the country are receiving these grants. Twenty-three are receiving funding for obesity prevention; 14 are receiving funding for tobacco prevention; and seven more are receiving funding for both obesity and tobacco prevention efforts.
Jemez Pueblo will have two years to complete its work.
