Southampton School District Partners With Western Suffolk BOCES on Wellness Grant

The Southampton School District is currently working with Western Suffolk BOCES, the recipient of the Creating Healthy Schools and Communities (CHSC) grant.

Additional partners, Sustainable Long Island and Stony Brook Medicine, are part of this five-year public health initiative, which is funded by the New York State Department of Health.

The wellness grant is aimed at reducing major risk factors of obesity, diabetes and other chronic diseases.

The goal of the program is to implement policies and strategies to increase demand for and access to healthy, affordable food and opportunities for daily physical activities for Southampton students and residents.

CHSC partners will work with school buildings, community merchants and local leaders in order to create environments that will shape and sustain positive attitudes and behaviors about food and physical activity.

“We are excited to join together with Western Suffolk BOCES and its partners, Sustainable Long Island and Stony Brook Medicine, to provide our students and surrounding community with opportunities to maintain a healthy lifestyle,” Darren Phillips, Southampton School District director of athletics, physical education, health and wellness, said.

The district’s Wellness Committee will host an informational meeting for parents/parental relations, staff and community members on Jan. 13, 2016, from 3:30 p.m .to 4:30 p.m., at Southampton Elementary School on 30 Pine Street in Southampton.