Mayors are on the frontlines of their communities – driving solutions and making positive change. Our industry is proud to partner with mayors representing communities large and small, rural and urban. The American Beverage Foundation for a Healthy America (ABFHA) and the African American Mayors Association (AAMA) recently announced four cities as the inaugural grant recipients of a partnership between ABFHA and AAMA called the Nutrition Access, Affordability and Education grant program. This grant program helps support mayors as they address inequities that impact the people and places they represent.

Four grants totaling $525,000 were awarded to cities ranging from Houston to Baton Rouge, La., Newport News, Va. to Greenville, Miss. with each city having its own unique story and inspirational mayor working to help residents create a better tomorrow.  

In Houston, the grant program is helping Mayor Sylvester Turner’s efforts to develop the Young Agri-business Leaders of Houston education program. This initiative will give high school students living in many of the Houston area’s Complete Communities the chance to take part in a hydroponics farm and garden workforce development program. 

In Baton Rouge, a grant went to support the city’s Geaux Get Healthy program developed under the leadership of Mayor Sharon Weston Broome. Geaux Get Healthy aims to make fresh food affordable for local families in need, addressing food deserts and limited access to nutritious foods in areas of the city.

The city of Newport News received a grant to support its Sarfan Food Forest, a green space where residents can grow fresh food, learn about nutrition and enjoy the outdoors.

Leaders in Greenville received a grant to support the FoodCorps program, an educational program focused on teaching students about healthier food options and encouraging local schools to adopt a curriculum incorporating agricultural education.

The beverage industry’s Nutrition Access, Affordability and Education grant program is supporting initiatives that are making a difference for families by helping them lead balanced lifestyles. We look forward to continuing our strong partnership with AAMA as we work together to build strong, healthy communities. 

More information about the Nutrition Access, Affordability and Education grant program can be found here.

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