The Building Healthy Communities Step Up for School Wellness Program is an innovative school-based program focused on creating and sustaining a healthier school environment and building a culture of wellness that supports physical activity, healthier food choices, mental health, and overall well-being.
Donor Name: Building Healthy Communities
State: Michigan
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 06/01/2026
Size of the Grant: Not Available
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
Goals
Creating healthier environments can lead to the development of lifelong healthy behaviors that reduce the incidence of obesity and undernourishment, combat absenteeism, address trauma, and nurture a more productive teaching and learning atmosphere. The program’s five-step model translates into program goals that drive impacts focused on improved knowledge, attitudes and behaviors in the following ways:
- Empower students to be more physically active every day.
- Empower students to make healthy choices that include fruit, vegetables, low-fat dairy, whole grains and lean protein every day.
- Empower students to learn and practice social and emotional skills.
- Empower staff to implement and participate in well-being initiatives that support a culture of wellness at school for all employees.
- Encourage staff to make changes in policies, systems and environments that support the well-being of students and staff.
Focus Areas
- Focus Area 1: Physical Activity & Physical Education – The following resources are available in this focus area:
- Active Recess – Can be selected for Grades K-8
- Quality Physical Education – Can be selected for Grades K-12
- Walk-n-Run Fun – Can be selected for Grades K-12
- Healthy Out-of-School Time – Can be selected for Grades K-12
- Physical Activity Breaks – Can be selected for Grades K-6
- Focus Area 2: Healthy Eating & Nutrition Education – The following resources are available in this focus area:
- Healthy Smoothies – Can be selected for Grades K-12; must participate in the National School Breakfast and Lunch Programs to be eligible
- Healthy Lattes – Can be selected for Grades 9-12; must participate in the National School Breakfast and Lunch Programs to be eligible
- Healthy Choices – Can be selected for Grades K-12; must participate in the National School Breakfast and Lunch Programs to be eligible
- Nutrition Education – Can be selected for Grades K-12
- Healthy Parties & Celebrations – Can be selected for Grades K-8
- Better with Breakfast – Can be selected for grades K-12; must participate in the National School Breakfast and National School Lunch Programs
- School Food Pantry – Can be selected for Grades K-12; must have an existing school food pantry to be eligible
- Smart Swaps – Can be selected for grades K-12; must participate in the National School Breakfast and National School Lunch Programs
- Focus Area 3: Well-Being – The following resources are available in this focus area:
- Social & Emotional Health Education – Can be selected for Grades K-12
- Social & Emotional Learning Staff Education – Can be selected for Grades K-12
- Staff Well-Being – Can be selected for Grades K-12
- Suicide Prevention Certification – Can be selected for Grades K-12
- Student Mental Health Ambassadors – Can be selected for Grades K-12.
Eligibility Criteria
All Michigan public, charter, or private non-profit schools in Michigan, serving any grade level K-12, can apply each year. They encourage each school building in your district to complete an application.
For more information, visit BHC.
