Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) are a significant contributor to children’s unhealthy diets, containing excess calories and few, if any, nutrients. Overconsumption is associated with excess weight gain and obesity, as well as an overall decrease in dietary quality. Further, despite the many benefits of water, many children in the U.S. do not drink enough. Given the importance of early childhood for developing lifelong healthy dietary behaviors, HER is interested in identifying policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) strategies that have the strongest potential to reduce SSB consumption (especially fruit-flavored drinks) and increase safe drinking water access and intake among low-income and children of color (ages 0 to 5) who are at greatest risk for poor nutrition and obesity.

For this CFP, HER is interested in research focused on young children in two main areas:

• SSB pricing strategies and taxes; and
• Achieving equity in reducing SSBs and increasing safe water access and intake.

Studies must focus on young children ages 0 to 5 years old in the United States, with high priority on those who are at highest risk for poor nutrition and obesity, specifically lower-income families and racially and ethnically diverse populations (Black, Latinx, American Indian/Alaska Natives, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders).

Approximately $1.8 million will be awarded under this CFP, resulting in the funding of about eight to ten grants. Each grant will award up to $225,000 for up to 24 months.

Download the full CFP for more information on eligibility and selection criteria, priority research questions, and descriptions of the types of studies that could be funded.

How to Apply

All applications must be submitted through the online system.

Visit here to apply. This link will take you to a login page for the RWJF application system, and you will need to either log in or register for an account.

There are two phases in the application process:
Phase 1: Concept Paper
Phase 2: Full Proposal (for invited applicants only)

Key Dates and Deadlines

• September 16, 2020 (3 p.m. ET): Concept papers are due in the online system. Concept papers submitted after 3 p.m. ET on September 16 will not be reviewed.
• October 7, 2020: Applicants notified whether they are invited to submit a full proposal.

Learn more and apply now!