The Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust has awarded a grant to the American Indian Center at UNC to strengthen programs in preventing obesity and chronic disease.

The near-$400,000 grant will support the Healthy North Carolinians Network, a center that promotes “Healthy Eating and Active Living” for North Carolina’s tribes and Indian organizations.

Dr. Amy Locklear Hertel, director of the American Indian Center, said in a release she is excited to continue providing support of the Indian and tribal communities.

“This grant enables the center and our Native community partners to impact tribal HEAL policies, family lifestyle choices and cultural revitalization,” Hertel said.

Hertel added that the grant added a student internship element, which will allow native high school and college students to be placed within the tribal communities and evaluate the efforts.

With the grant money the HNNC will renovate facilities that allow for physical play and activity as well as creating walking trails.

This grant builds off the previous grant made by the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust back in 2011.