Making Kane County Fit for Kids Funders Consortium announced the award of 11 grants going to local agencies and community groups in an effort to fight childhood obesity.

The grants range from $1,200 to $10,000 and will help fund a variety of programs designed to promote active lifestyles and to increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables. 

The City of Batavia and Batavia Public Schools will work together to install school walking routes signage using the $10,000 grant they receive. The Northern Illinois Food Bank, along with several other area agencies, will use their $10,000 grant to work with local pantries and schools to expand their refrigeration capacity so more fresh produce can be distributed to local residents.

Northern Illinois University and the Aurora Farmers Market will use their grant of $4,783 to show kids how to pick their fruits and vegetables at the Farmers Market.

Grant recipients were chosen by the Consortium based on their proposals to put in place strategies contained in the Fit Kids 2020 Plan. 

The plan was developed by many, including:

• Parents
• Physicians
• Engineers
• Educators
• Planners
• Public health professionals
• Transportation experts
• Faith leaders
• Local policymakers
• And many others