In its continued efforts to create a better future for communities across America, the American Beverage Foundation for a Healthy America recently awarded grants to six organizations in conjunction with state beverage associations that will make a meaningful impact for years to come. Let’s take a look and see how the funds will support local initiatives that enhance both the physical and environmental well-being of residents and of their communities.

In Alaska, the recycling rate is the lowest in the U.S. To help improve the local recycling efforts, Alaskans for Litter Prevention and Recycling received a $10,000 grant to foster greater participation and improved waste management practices throughout rural parts of the state. This program will benefit up to 80 rural and tribal entities across Alaska, enabling greater recycling access for regions without road connectivity.

To address the nation’s highest rate of food insecurity, Hunger Free America in New York was awarded $25,000 to support its partnership with the Cornell University Cooperative Extension in New York City. This partnership aims to create a culturally relevant nutrition education program tailored to low-income New Yorkers in the Bronx. This initiative will provide 200 low-income individuals with practical and nutritious food options, promoting better public health and economic well-being. 

The Mississippi River plays a vital role in Mississippi by providing millions with drinking water, supporting a $12.6 billion shipping industry, and generating power for the state. Friends of the Mississippi River received $30,000 in grant funding, including support from the Minnesota Beverage Association, to further its mission of safeguarding the Mississippi River by undertaking a youth-led project to revitalize a neglected riverfront natural area. This initiative will directly involve 36 fellows from communities of color in its Environmental Stewardship Institute, and will benefit thousands of residents who will visit the riverfront for years to come. 

With support from the Mississippi Beverage Association, The Jackson Heart Foundation was awarded $50,000 to expand the city’s Museum Trail. This economic development project will expand trails linking Mississippi’s museums, parks and local neighborhoods to help augment access to outdoor physical activity for thousands of Jackson residents and visitors. 

The Dakotas are home to some of the most beautiful trails and mountain ranges in the country. That’s why Strider Education Foundation received $18,000 supported by Coca-Cola Bottling Co. High Country for the implementation of the ALL KIDS BIKE Learn-to-Ride Kindergarten Physical Education Programs. Two Title I schools serving low-income communities in South Dakota and North Dakota will each take part in the decade-long program. This investment will fund a teacher training curriculum, along with 24 bikes, helmets and storage racks, benefiting up to 150 students a year with an enriching learn-to-ride experience.

In Wisconsin, La Casa De Esperanza, Inc., was awarded $30,000 – with a contribution from the Wisconsin Beverage Association – so that 140 of its students can participate in a four-day-a-week after-school soccer program. Participating in sports can immensely strengthen a child’s teamwork skills, self-confidence and overall development, and this program aims to spread the benefits of sports among their youth. This investment will also further the school’s mission of providing opportunities for social and economic participation for its students, many of whom are Hispanic, Black and come from low-income households in the greater Milwaukee area. 

Since the inception of this grant program in 2011, the American Beverage Foundation for a Healthy America has proudly supported local communities across the country, providing grants and matching funds to nearly 117 organizations in 36 different states. With the beverage industry’s support, through both state associations and its Foundation, these projects are improving the physical and environmental well-being of their communities. 

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