American Cancer Society: Kohl’s Healthy Families program awards healthy eating & active living grants

MILWAUKEE, Wis. – May 16, 2022 –Eight community organizations have each been awarded $30,000 through the Kohl’s Healthy Families program – a partnership between the American Cancer Society and Kohl’s – to deliver programming that improves healthy eating habits through cooking instruction and nutrition education as well as engaging individuals in physical activity to reduce cancer risk or cancer recurrence.

The American Cancer Society anticipates reaching approximately 6,000 individuals in a variety of neighborhoods throughout Milwaukee, and into Kenosha and Waukesha. The organizations selected for funding include:
 Cross Lutheran Church – Bread of Healing Empowerment Ministry
 CORE El Centro
 FoodRight
 Kenosha YMCA
 Milwaukee Catholic Home
 Sixteenth Street Community Health Centers
 Tricia’s Troops Cancer Connection
 UniteWI

Healthy choices to prevent cancer are influenced by the social, physical, and economic environment in which we live. People in the poorest areas have approximately 20%-25% higher cancer death rates than those in the most affluent areas. “That is why community efforts like our partnership with the Kohl’s Healthy Family program are so important,”
said Laurie Bertrand, Executive Director, American Cancer Society, Wisconsin. “These meaningful partnerships aim to assist individuals in overcoming barriers and providing opportunities to be healthier and ultimately help reduce a person’s lifetime risk of developing or dying from cancer.”

At least 18% of all cancers diagnosed in the US are related to excess body weight, physical inactivity, excess alcohol
consumption, and/or poor nutrition, and thus could be prevented. Along with avoiding tobacco products, staying at a healthy weight, staying active throughout life, and eating a healthy diet may greatly reduce a person’s lifetime risk of developing or dying from cancer. “At Kohl’s, we understand that certain groups of people often bear a disproportionate burden of cancer compared with other groups, due to social, environmental, and economic disadvantages,” said Tara Geiter, Kohl’s Director of
Community Relations.” These community organizations awarded through the Kohl’s Healthy Families program are making great strides in assisting families in Southeastern Wisconsin with cancer education, and we are proud to partner with American Cancer Society to further expand their efforts.”

For more information about the American Cancer Society, visit cancer.org.