Louisville has received a $7.9 million federal stimulus grant for projects that promote the public health.



Adewale Troutman, director of the Louisville Metro Health and Wellness Department, told The Courier-Journal the money will help the city make more fresh fruits and vegetables available in poor neighborhoods, improve bike trails and serve healthier school lunches.

Troutman said some neighborhoods in west and southwest Louisville are known as "food deserts" because fresh fruits and vegetables can be hard to come by. Health department data show those areas also have high rates of obesity, diabetes and hypertension.

The grant received on Friday is equal to about one-third of the annual operating budget for the city's health department. Troutman said it will mean a "dramatic extension" of the resources available for improving health.

Information from: The Courier-Journal, http://www.courier-journal.com

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