The New Jersey Healthy Communities Network’s Community Grants Program (NJHCN) has awarded $1.3 million to 66 New Jersey nonprofits. The NJHCN is a coalition of six funding organizations that support communities that increase opportunities for healthy eating and active living.

The 66 recipients represent a cross-section of nonprofit, school, and government organizations from across the state. Each will receive a grant of $20,000 over a two-year period.

Each grant will address at least one strategy to increase opportunities for physical activity and one strategy to improve access to healthy eating. Among the initiatives are school-wellness policies, farmers markets, open streets, healthy corner stores, bike racks, walk/bike/food audits, and community gardens.

The funding organizations are Atlantic Health System, New Jersey Department of Health, New Jersey Health Initiatives, New Jersey Partnership for Healthy Kids, Partners for Health Foundation, and Salem Health & Wellness Foundation.

In addition to funding, grantees are assigned a coach, receive technical assistance, and are evaluated on the impact of the organization’s work.