King County will use a federal grant to coordinate a regional fight against obesity and tobacco by taking on the marketing of junk food, sugary sodas, and new tobacco products.

Using a $9 million grant awarded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Public Health – Seattle & King County will lead a partnership of cities, school districts, community organizations, and businesses. The coalition will help local residents make healthy decisions, help schools provide healthier meals and more opportunities for exercise, and help cities design more bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly communities.

“We will use this grant to expand our collective fight against two of the leading causes of premature death – obesity and smoking,” said Executive Dow Constantine. “Our proven ability to bring partners together to improve the health of our diverse communities is what set us apart in the competition for this grant.”

Approaches include:

• Expanding successful nutrition, physical activity and tobacco prevention policies and strategies to reach more school districts, suburban cities, the business sector and the health care sector.

• Focusing efforts in communities with high-levels of need.

• Providing funds to community partners who will carry out the work.

A federal report earlier this year found that a partnership between Public Health and school districts decreased youth obesity by 17 percent by boosting healthy habits among middle and high school students.

This fall, Public Health will issue a request for proposals for community agencies, schools, and local governments to apply for grant funds. Visit www.kingcounty.gov/health/communities for more information.