In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/USDA-OASCR%20P-Complaint-Form-0508-0002-508-11-28-17Fax2Mail.pdf, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
Fax: (202) 690-7442; or
Email: program.intake@usda.gov.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

The primary target population is children in grades K-8 in high-need school districts. High-need school districts are defined as school districts with a free and reduced priced lunch rate (FRPL) of 60% or higher and childhood obesity rates higher than 17.1% (Childhood Obesity Index). Secondary populations include the children’s families and community organizations within the school districts’ service boundaries, as well as policy makers who influence government, school, and organizational policies and regulations.

Missouri is one of the heaviest states in the country, with 30% of the total population and 31% of children ages 10 to 17 overweight or obese. Childhood obesity is a strong predictor of adult obesity and is associated with increased risk of a variety of chronic disease like diabetes. In aggregate, obesity has been estimated to decrease lifespan by an average of 2-5 years, and leads to significant economic costs to individuals and to the state.

In 2013, MFH established a five year initiative called Healthy Schools Healthy Communities to address childhood obesity in our region. Healthy Schools Healthy Communities seeks to reduce childhood obesity through prevention efforts in selected communities in the MFH region. Overall the initiative will strive to:

  • Increase healthy eating.

  • Increase physical activity.

  • Implement and enforce policy and environmental changes to support healthy eating and physical activity.

  • Engage parents and other stakeholders to promote health and wellness in schools, families, and communities.


A new video shows the partnerships and progress MFH is building through the Healthy Schools Healthy Communities Initiative. Thirteen school districts with nearly 13,000 students are already participating in the Schools as the Hub program. Watch the video to see how you can be a part of changing things in your community.

Healthy Schools, Healthy Communities

Douglas County Health Department

Ava, Missouri