New Grant Program by United Health Foundation and Whole Kids Foundation to Fund Innovative Solutions to Improve Children’s Health and Nutrition

• $500,000 contribution from United Health Foundation will support
  children’s health and nutrition projects across the country
• Program seeks to break link between poverty, and lack of access
  to healthy foods and nutrition education

LOS ANGELES–(BUSINESS WIRE)–United Health Foundation and Whole Kids Foundation will provide $150,000
in the first round of grants to support innovative projects nationwide
that will improve children’s health and nutrition. This first round of
grants is partly funded by United Health Foundation’s $500,000
contribution to the Whole Kids Foundation.

The funding comes at a critical time as almost 20 percent of children in
the United States are living in poverty. According to America’s
Health Rankings, these children are about three times more likely
than other children to have their health needs unmet. Improving access
to healthy foods and nutrition education helps improve the health of
children, especially children living in poverty.

The Healthy Kids Innovation Grant program will support the next
generation of innovative ideas in children’s health and nutrition, and
engage kids in making good food choices. The program and grants will
bring together multi-sector leaders in food, health, fitness and
technology in support of the next big idea. The program is open to
educators, individuals and nonprofit organizations seeking to break down
barriers to basic, but critical information and resources, such as where
food comes from and the importance of eating healthy foods. Preference
will be given to projects that have a case study and are ready to expand
across at least one grade level.

The grants are part of United Health Foundation’s “Helping
Build Healthier Communities” program, which provides resources to
local nonprofits with programs aimed at expanding access to care,
improving health outcomes and building healthier communities.

The organizations announced the Healthy Kids Innovation Grant program at
West Vernon Elementary.

“United Health Foundation and Whole Kids Foundation are supporting the
efforts of nonprofits and schools in bringing new, innovative solutions
to serving and educating children on the importance of good health and
nutrition,” said Brandon Cuevas, CEO, UnitedHealthcare of California.

“Through this new collaboration with United Health Foundation we have
set out to find the next generation of ideas and leaders to improve
children’s health and nutrition – so that all children can reach their
ultimate and unlimited potential,” said Nona Evans, president and
executive director, Whole Kids Foundation. “By working collaboratively,
we are able to leverage diverse knowledge and expertise to recognize and
amplify effective solutions with the goal of quickly creating
broad-reaching change.”

Grant deadlines and timeline
Letters of intent for the
program are due Nov. 30. Applications for the grant program are due Dec.
15, and the grantees will be announced in March 2016. The amount of each
grant will range from $15,000 to $25,000. For more information on how to
apply, visit www.wholekidsfoundation.org/health-kids-innovation
or email grants@wholekidsfoundation.org.

About Whole Kids Foundation
Whole
Kids Foundation, a Whole Foods Market foundation, is based in Austin,
Texas, and operates as an independent, nonprofit organization. By
empowering schools and inspiring families, the foundation aims to help
children reach optimal health through the strength of a healthy body
fueled by nutritious food.

About United Health Foundation
Through
collaboration with community partners, grants and outreach efforts,
United Health Foundation works to improve our health system, build a
diverse and dynamic health workforce and enhance the well-being of local
communities. United Health Foundation was established by UnitedHealth
Group (NYSE: UNH) in 1999 as a not-for-profit, private foundation
dedicated to improving health and health care. To date, United Health
Foundation has committed more than $240 million to programs and
communities around the world. We invite you to learn more at www.unitedhealthfoundation.org.

Click
here to subscribe to Mobile Alerts for UnitedHealth Group.

Contacts

UnitedHealthcare
Matt Rodriguez, 714-226-3494
matt.rodriguez@uhc.com
or
Whole
Foods Market
Blaire Kniffin, 512-542-3483
blaire.kniffin@wholefoods.com