In Washington County, a primary avenue for increasing access to healthy food and physical activity occurs through local implementation of the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP). SHIP is a statewide program approved in 2008 by the Minnesota Legislature, which provides funding to implement evidence-based strategies at the local level. Washington County has received SHIP funds in varied time cycles. The current funding cycle for SHIP4, began in 2015 and continues through 2019.   SHIP-funded activities are led by PHE staff and are guided by the Living Healthy in Washington County (LHWC) Community Leadership Team (CLT). The CLT is a collaborative which provides guidance for LHWC strategies throughout the county. There are 18-22 active members on the CLT from the north, central and south parts of the county who represent: Community, Health Care, Schools and Worksites. The CLT is comprised of key community partners who are committed and actively investing their expertise, leadership, and other resources which are essential to the success and sustainability of LHWC.

LWHC helps child care facilities and preschools give young children a healthy start. Children who are active and eat well have healthier growth and development, are ready for learning, and feel better. Child care facilities and preschools can help build lifelong wellness habits by teaching healthy behaviors, offering opportunities to be active, and demonstrating good nutrition. The types of support offered to child care centers, and in-home providers included trainings in healthy food preparation, breastfeeding support, and physical activity specific to preschool aged children, curriculum and materials to support the trainings and consultations for updating policies and practices around implementation of the trainings.

Family home child care providers, child care centers and preschools, Washington County Community Services child care licensing staff, Develop approved trainers, and Parent Aware.