(Michigan City, IN) - The Indiana Department of Health has awarded $155,400 in grant money to help combat food insecurity and health issues related to obesity in Michigan City.

 

The funds will go to Operation Healthy, an effort involving local churches, non-profits, other organizations, and entrepreneurs, focused on creating a long-term plan for meeting the needs of people regarding food insecurity and health problems stemming from obesity.

 

Free physical fitness activities for families and school-aged children are among the current ideas for inclusion in the plan. Targeted food pantry events and holiday giveaways will be among the activities held at the Hope Community Center to disperse resources stemming from the effort.

 

Operation Healthy also calls for a community-based survey using the Center for Disease Control’s Healthier Food Retail Assessment Guide, to determine permanent options for long-term access to healthier food.

 

“Our team is so excited for the opportunity to impact health outcomes and food insecurity in Michigan City,” said City Councilwoman Angie Nelson Deuitch, who is spearheading the program.