BOSTON—Massachusetts has received a $1.7 million grant from the federal government to launch pilot programs against child obesity in New Bedford and Fitchburg.
Gov. Deval Patrick's administration said Tuesday the project will focus on children from low-income families and will seek to create partnerships with schools, daycare centers and pediatricians. It will also include a social marketing campaign aimed at educating parents about nutrition and encouraging physical activity for their children.
Officials say they will evaluate the pilot programs in New Bedford and Fitchburg to determine the best way to institute child obesity prevention efforts statewide.
Massachusetts applied for the grant in conjunction with Harvard Medical School and Harvard School of Public Health.
