The New York State Department of Health (Department) announces the availability of funding to implement the Eat Well Play Hard in Child Care Settings (EWPHCCS) initiative. EWPHCCS is a research-tested, multi-level obesity prevention intervention that focuses on improving the nutrition and physical activity behaviors of low-income families and their children enrolled in registered and licensed child day care programs. This intervention also addresses environmental changes to reduce childhood obesity by influencing the nutrition, mealtime and physical activity practices that encourage wellness and healthy lifestyles. The Department is seeking applications from organizations to implement the EWPHCCS initiative in eligible child care centers.

The Department anticipates awarding two (2) contracts to implement EWPHCCS in the Capital and Lower Hudson Valley Regions of New York State. It is anticipated that approximately $435,000 in funding will be available annually to implement the following core EWPHCCS activities for the period of October 1, 2023 – September 30, 2027:

• Maintain grant administration, fiscal accountability, record keeping, and reporting requirements;
• Maintain adequate staffing as outlined by the Department and achieve deliverables as outlined within the work plan;
• Implement the EWPHCCS Champion intervention as outlined by the Department;
• Implement the Farm to Preschool intervention as outlined by the Department; and
• Ensure space and accessibility requirements.

Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements in order to apply:

1. Eligible Applicants must be prequalified in the New York State Grants Gateway, if not exempt, on the date and time applications are due. It is strongly recommended that applicants begin the prequalification process immediately. Applicants who are not prequalified through the Grants Gateway on the application due date/time will be disqualified.
2. Eligible entities must be one of the following:
   1. A Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) Agency as listed on the NYS Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS) website at the following link: https://ocfs.ny.gov/programs/childcare/referral-agencies.php .
   2. A public or nonprofit CACFP sponsoring organization that is tax-exempt under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code that meets the following criteria:
      1. A sponsor of multiple child care centers, head starts, and/or day care homes. Sponsors that only operate adult programs, after-school programs, and/or emergency shelters are not eligible to apply and will be disqualified. Organizations considered Independent Centers for the purposes of CACFP sponsorship are not eligible to apply and will be disqualified.
      2. Solely based and operating in New York State.
3. Applicants must be in good standing with the NYS CACFP and NYS OTDA. Applicants whose corrective action plans pertaining to SNAP-Ed contract deficiencies that have not been approved within the past seven years will be disqualified. Applicants with CACFP Serious Deficiencies, proposals to terminate, or corrective actions pertaining to administrative capability, fiscal integrity, and accountability will be disqualified.
4. Applicants must apply for only one region. Applicants whose applications reflect more than one region will be disqualified.
5. Applicants must request the exact funding amount available for that region. Applicants whose applications do not reflect the exact funding amount for the region will be disqualified.

Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to complete and submit a letter of interest by 10/12/22.

All substantive questions must be submitted via email to EWPH.RFA@health.ny.gov or in writing to:

Lisa Borden

NYS Department of Health

Division of Nutrition

Child and Adult Care Food Program

Riverview Center

150 Broadway, Room 600

Menands, NY 12204-2719

Questions must be received by 11/02/2022. Applications must be submitted online via the Grants Gateway by 12/07/2022 at 4:00 p.m.