Last week, as part of a long-standing partnership between the U.S Conference of Mayors (USCM) and the American Beverage Foundation for a Healthy America (ABFHA), six mayors from across the country received grant awards to support their commitment to fighting childhood obesity in their communities.

In Columbia, S.C., Mayor Stephen Benjamin is working to help children in the city achieve balance by teaching better habits when it comes to gardening, nutrition and fitness, or what he refers to as the GNF Club. With this support from the USCM and ABFHA, Mayor Benjamin will be able to introduce the GNF in recreation centers located in two additional zip codes in Columbia where significant health and economic disparities have been identified.

“This grant is a game changer for the city of Columbia, to accelerate the efforts significantly,” says Mayor Benjamin.

Congratulations to Mayor Benjamin and the city of Columbia for their commitment to driving real change in their community!