October 30, 2024

More than a half-million dollars will be awarded annually to seven cities with African American mayors to promote nutrition access, affordability, and education

(WASHINGTON) – As part of an ongoing partnership between the African American Mayors Association (AAMA) and the American Beverage Foundation for a Healthy America (ABFHA), seven cities with African American mayors will receive significant grants to advance essential programs that improve community health and address health disparities. Mayors will be able to apply the funds towards vital resources such as community gardens, mobile veggie and fruit stands and food security programs, and attract additional investments for the nutrition issues their cities are facing.

One-third of America’s biggest cities are led by African American mayors, leaders who seek to improve the health of their respective communities and find opportunities to improve access to high-quality, nutritious food choices. 

“For the third year, we are proud to be able to offer these important grants to our member mayors as they work to eradicate health inequities and eliminate health disparities in their cities,” said Phyllis Dickerson, CEO of AAMA. “Our mayors want to give families the information that they need to make educated and informed choices to support their overall health and well-being.”

ABFHA and AAMA will award seven grants totaling $600,000 annually over a three-year period to seven cities. One $175,000 grant will be awarded to a large-sized city with a population of 250,000 or more. Two grants of $125,000 each will be given to mid-sized cities with populations between 100,000 and 250,000. Two grants of $75,000 each will be awarded to small-sized cities, and two grants of $12,500 will be given to cities/towns/villages with a population of 5,000 or less.

Funds from the program will go directly toward:

• City programs that demonstrate measurable progress in increasing access to affordable basic nutrition needs
• Educational components that help market the program to a mayor’s community
• Community outreach or to help educate citizens about the benefits of the programs
• Programs with an initial investment that will attract matching grants or other investment dollars

“When our cities utilize creativity and innovation to come up with solutions to bring about healthier outcomes for the most vulnerable in their cities, we all win,” said AAMA President and Mayor of Montgomery, Ala., Steven Reed. “Our mayors will use these grants to build stronger and more educated communities that make sound nutritional decisions for their families. I look forward to celebrating their successes.” 

In addition to the grant program, America’s beverage companies are taking bold actions in support of consumers’ efforts to achieve balance. Through its national School Beverage Guidelines, the industry cut beverage calories in schools by 94% by voluntarily removing full-calorie soft drinks. Beverage companies are leveraging their strength in product innovation to offer more choices with less sugar, shifting consumers toward low- and zero-calorie beverages. Today, nearly 60% of beverages purchased have zero sugar.

“Mayors are the ones who get things done in our cities and towns, stepping up every day to improve the quality of community life from the local economy to education to public health. The hardworking people of the beverage industry have a track record of driving meaningful solutions. We’re proud to support our mayors who never rest in their devotion to getting the job done every day for their people,” said Kevin Keane, President and CEO of American Beverage.

“This grant program is our commitment to backing up the communities where our employees work and live and we look forward to the positive change it will have on peoples’ lives.”

Grant winners will be selected by a panel of judges composed of former mayors chosen by AAMA. The winning cities will be announced at the 2025 AAMA Annual Conference in Washington, D.C.

 

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