Journalism Grants

Funding For:

Louisiana at Heavy Risk: A Year-Long Reporting Project on the State’s Obesity Crisis

Health Care Management / Prescription Drugs


Recipient:

The Advocate

Grant Period:

Jan 01, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026

AMOUNT:

$25,000.00

Summary of the Project:

Louisiana’s obesity rate has climbed to nearly 40%, impacting chronic disease rates and increasing health care costs. This project will explore the obesity epidemic across the lifespan, the rising costs of healthy food and weight-loss medications, and chronic conditions associated with excess body weight, while highlighting evidence-based solutions and policy responses statewide.

About the Grantee:

The Times-Picayune | The Advocate | NOLA.com is Louisiana’s largest and most trusted news organization, serving readers across Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Acadiana, Lake Charles and North Louisiana. It is a locally rooted outlet that produces high-impact journalism for and about Louisiana’s communities. With one of the largest reporting staff newsrooms in the South, they deliver in-depth, solutions-oriented coverage on issues that shape health, education, business, and quality of life.