Posted March 16, 2020

We at Action for Healthy Kids and Active Schools understand the challenges schools and parents are facing right now and the concerns they have about COVID-19 (Coronavirus), and we recognize the impact that school closings and uncertainty from day to day around COVID-19 pose to daily life.

Your safety is our highest priority. We are all in this together at a time that requires patience and flexibility. So, as school closings and restrictions on large gatherings impact the work you and your school may currently be doing with Action for Healthy Kids, we have modified many of our plans for the rest of the school year. We are continuously monitoring the situation and will keep you updated as things change.

FAQ

Q: What should I do if my school currently has a grant from Action for Healthy Kids in the 2019-2020 school year?

A: If you are a current AFHK grantee, do not be concerned about a delay in completing your funded project.  We hope that any schools that are able to resume normal operations later this spring will then be able to complete their grant work by the end of the school year. Your state coordinator is here to support you in the interim and will work with you at the appropriate time on what to submit for your final reports (information about these reports will become available mid-April).

Q: What if I can’t submit my application for a 2020-2021 school grant in time?

A: We have extended the deadline for grant applications until August 31, 2020. If you have questions or concerns, contact us through our online contact form and select School Grants, or contact your state coordinator. We will be reviewing grant applications on a rolling basis, so if you are able to submit your application before the extended deadline, please do so.

As we continue to monitor the situation, we will re-assess timing for school grant applications. Stay updated through our emails and on Facebook or Twitter.

Q: Is Every Kid Healthy Week cancelled?

A: While Every Kid Healthy Week remains on the calendar (this year April 20-24, 2020), we are not encouraging or expecting schools to host events, even if the schools are open. We advise they follow the guidance from their own schools, districts and states and recommendations from the CDC and federal government regarding gatherings. Please contact your state coordinator if you have any questions about Every Kid Healthy Week at your school.

Q: How can I help kids maintain healthy routines at home during this time?

Schools that are conducting online learning and other sites that may need to serve the needs of children in their communities can explore our Game On library at actionforhealthykids.org/game-on-activity-library to find dozens of activities to keep kids busy and help them maintain healthy and active routines. We invite parents who find themselves at home with their kids to explore all of our online resources to find dozens of activities, tips, recipes and more to keep their kids practicing healthy behaviors not only during Every Kid Healthy Week but through the duration of school closings. Visit our blog post for a curated list of at-home activities.

Q: Are you still hosting webinars and in-person workshops?

A: We will continue hosting webinars scheduled for the remainder of the school year (see schedule here). All in-person workshops scheduled for March and April will be cancelled, and all meetings will be hosted virtually, if possible, or postponed. Please contact your state coordinator if you have questions about events or rescheduling of activities.

Q: What should I do if my school is closed and I need help feeding my kids?

A: First, contact your school to see if your school is continuing to provide food. If your school is not providing meals, search https://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank to find your local food pantry. If you’re having trouble finding information, contact us and we’ll help you get connected in your local community.

Q: Where else can I find information to help me or my family?

A: For information on how to stay healthy and safe during this time, refer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html. Your local or state department of health will also have helpful information and support for local resources.