The HEAL Cooperative of the Hutchinson Community Foundation awarded Healthy Eating, Active Living (HEAL) grants to 11-area organizations enabling them to promote a culture of healthy living across Reno County. Funding was made available by a Nutrition and Physical Activity grant awarded to the Community Foundation by the Kansas Health Foundation.

The HEAL Cooperative exists to coordinate and communicate the opportunities for health, recreation, and nutrition that enhance overall wellness in Reno County.

The following groups were recognized Thursday afternoon on the Hutchinson Community College campus.

Boys and Girls Club – $2,395 – ZUMBA lessons for middle school youth

Buhler Grade School and Union Valley Elementary – $1,650 – Coordinated Approach to Child Health (CATCH) curriculum for their afterschool programs

City of Buhler – $3,000 – exercise equipment for the Buhler Wellness Center

Downtown Hutchinson Revitalization Partnership, Inc. – $2,000 – walking courses in Avenue A Park to entice downtown workers to get moving on their breaks and lunch hours.

Haven Wellness Center – $734 – gymnastics classes for young children.

Interfaith Housing Services, Inc. – $1,225 – Crock Pot cooking classes for low-income families

Reno County Extension and Reno County 4-H – $1,800 – GPS devices for Geocaching – a unique means to combine the interest of technology with hands-on learning and physical activity

Reno County Health Department – $1,500 – collaboration with Head Start and Early Head Start of Reno County, promote sustainable physical activity of all family members

South Hutchinson Police Department – $1,600 – June 2nd Bike Skills Clinic. Bike helmets and safety instruction provided

Trinity Catholic High School Physical Education Department – $1, 600 – expand curriculum to teach lifelong fitness skills

*Union Valley Elementary School – $1,100 – construct a one-eighth mile walking path of gravel and crushed concrete

Hutchinson Community Foundation exists to connect donors to community needs, increase philanthropy and provide leadership on key community issues.