Physical Activity and Nutrition
Working to reduce the prevalence of overweight and obesity in Oregon and southwest Washington. Promoting healthy eating and active living is a key strategy in our effort to reduce the causes and burden of preventable disease and disability in our region.
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Over the past quarter century, the combination of physical inactivity and poor nutrition has emerged as the nation's second-leading preventable cause of death, after smoking. Obesity significantly increases the risk of developing many of the leading causes of death in the United States, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and some forms of cancer.
In Oregon:
- The prevalence of obesity among adults has increased 118% from 1990 to 2005.
- Nearly 60% of Oregon adults are now either obese or overweight.
- One in four Oregon eighth graders are now overweight or at risk of becoming overweight.
- The social and economic consequences of the obesity epidemic threaten to overwhelm our health system unless we develop and implement comprehensive prevention strategies today.
Complex systemic and environmental factors influence the choices people make about eating and exercise. Research has shown that people who live in neighborhoods where healthy food is available, walking and biking is safe, and parks and other community resources are easily accessed are much more likely to maintain healthy weight.
The Northwest Health Foundation partners with communities to advance their efforts to improve options for healthy nutrition and regular physical activity. We are particularly interested in supporting resource-poor communities and groups that have been disproportionately affected by the obesity epidemic.
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For funding opportunities, click here.
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Profile: Alliance for the Promotion of Physical Activity and Nutrition
The Alliance for the Promotion of Physical Activity and Nutrition (APPAN) is a donor-restricted fund at NWHF created to promote physical activity and healthy eating in local communities. Initial funding for APPAN came from Kaiser Permanente Northwest, CareOregon, PacificSource Charitable Foundation, and the Northwest Health Foundation.
Visit our grants archive to learn more about projects funded through APPAN.
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Resources & Links
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A Healthy Active Oregon: The Statewide Physical Activity and Nutrition Plan 
Oregon Health Policy Commission’s Report, Promoting Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Among Oregon Children- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Institute of Medicine
- The Community Guide to Preventive Services — Physical Activity & Nutrition
- The Community Tool Box
Please contact Chris Kabel for more information.