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Marion County Hospital District awards $561,000 to Marion County Schools for FANS fitness and nutrition program
Summary
The Marion County School Board unanimously approved a $561,000 grant from the Marion County Hospital District to expand the Fitness and Nutrition in Schools (FANS) program, funding hydroponic greenhouses, school gardens, PE supports and health education.
The Marion County School Board on Sept. 23 unanimously approved a $561,000 grant award from the Marion County Hospital District to expand the district's Fitness and Nutrition in Schools program, known as FANS.
The funding will support FANS activities already operating across the district, including 18 hydroponic greenhouses at secondary schools, raised beds for elementary schools and classroom supports for physical education and nutrition education. "This program is teaching students the importance of caring for their bodies," said Nicole Connor, executive director of K-12 academics, while presenting the grant recommendation.
Nut graf: Board members said the program ties directly to student health and classroom instruction and highlighted measurable outputs shared by staff. Connor told the board that every secondary school contributed to last year's harvest, producing more than 9,000 pounds of produce, with more than 4,000 pounds served in cafeterias. She also said raised beds would be in use at all 33 elementary schools by the end of the week and that the Mayor's Fitness Challenge engaged 27,970 students districtwide.
Board discussion was brief and supportive. Board member Allison Campbell said she was glad the item was moved from the consent agenda to receive individual consideration and thanked the hospital district and staff. Several other members echoed appreciation for community partnerships; no members opposed the motion. The vote was 5-0 in favor.
Support and reporting: Connor said FANS works with food services and agriculture teachers to place produce directly into school cafeterias and that the program uses heart-rate monitors and other tools to strengthen PE instruction. Jessica Cole, vice president of community health programs for the Marion County Hospital District, attended the meeting and will join district staff for a work session on Nov. 6 to report on outcomes and future plans.
Clarifying details provided at the meeting included the $561,000 award amount, the number of hydroponic greenhouses (18), the districtwide produce harvest (more than 9,000 pounds), produce served in cafeterias (more than 4,000 pounds), and the number of elementary schools where raised beds will be operational (33). Connor also reported increased participation in substance-prevention curricula and student wellness clubs.
