( KNZA )-The Community Foundation of Northeast Kansas has been awarded an implementation grant worth up to $75,000 over the next three years to improve local access to healthy food and speciality crop produce.

The Kansas Health Foundation awarded the grant through its Healthy Communities Inititive.  Eleven other grants were awarded around the state.

Following the one year planning phase by the Brown County Healthy Food Coalition, Community Foundation of Northeast Kansas President Steve Smith says they look forward to helping the coalition take action on their findings in the area of healthy foods in Brown County.

Prior to applying for the implementation funding, all 12 communities participated in a yearlong planning process, during which they were asked to develop community action plans and identify specific policy, systems and environmental changes that would have the greatest impact for Kansans in the areas of healthy eating and active living.

During the initial implementation year, the Brown County Healthy Foods Coalition will work to advance community policies that support healthy behaviors and improved access to the variety, quality and quantity of specialty crops available to local consumers in the area via farmers markets and food hub development.

For more information about The Community Foundation of Northeast Kansas’ efforts or to learn how you can participate, please contact Steve Smith at 785-742-2773 or the office at 785-741-2498, or e-mail commfoundofneks@gmail.com .