"USDA is at the forefront of the Obama Administration's efforts to combat childhood obesity, which poses a threat to the health and future productivity of our entire nation," said Vilsack in a statement. "These grants fund critical research that will help USDA and our partners implement effective strategies to support America's next generation so they can have a healthy childhood and develop healthy habits for life."

 

Winston-Salem State University will receive $150,000 for what's called "Communities Engaged for Success," which seeks to help 10-12 year-old children from low income families. 

 

Other recipients are the University of Tennessee at Knoxville ($4,887,083) and Tufts University in Boston ($149,988).

 

The awards were made through a competitive process that focused on scientific research.