Pictured from left, Nexus STEM Academy Principal Emily Powell, UnitedHealthcare Chief Medical Officer Dr. Karen Cassidy, Whole Kids Foundation Director of Operations Cathy Cochran-Lewis, Senator Mark Norris, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Tennessee CEO Keith Payet, WMC Action 5 News Anchor Jerica Philips with Nexus STEM Academy students
George R Stuart Elementary in Cleveland and Silverdale Baptist Academy in Chattanooga are two of the 39 Tennessee schools and youth organizations chosen for grants totaling $81,000 to build or expand existing vegetable gardens, salad bars or beehives, and provide educational resources about agriculture, caring for the environment and maintaining healthy lifestyles.
The grants are being provided by a partnership between United Health Foundation and Whole Kids Foundation to fight hunger and support nutrition education.
Tennessee Senator Mark Norris joined United Health Foundation and Whole Kids Foundation at a kickoff event at Nexus STEM Academy to announce the grants.
Grant recipients include:
Cedar Crest Camp – Nashville
Fulton High School – Knoxville
George R Stuart Elementary – Cleveland
Harding Academy – Memphis
Henry County School System – Henry
Heritage Beekeepers of Hawkins County – Rogersville
Episcopal School of Knoxville – Knoxville
LEAD Southeast Middle School – Nashville
Libertas School of Memphis – Memphis
Nashville Big Picture High School – Nashville
Nexus STEM Academy Elementary – Memphis
Our Place Art Organization – Knoxville
Prescott South Middle School – Cookeville
Putnam County School Nutrition – Cookeville
Sewanee Elementary School – Sewanee
Silverdale Baptist Academy – Chattanooga
South Middle School – Cowan
St. Edward School – Nashville
Stigall Center – Humboldt
The Muse – Knoxville
Trap Garden Inc. – Nashville
University School of Jackson – Jackson
Sen. Norris, UnitedHealthcare CEO Keith Payet and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Karen Cassidy, Whole Kids Foundation President and Executive Director Nona Evans, Nexus STEM Academy Principal Emily Powell, and other education and health care leaders hosted a discussion about health challenges facing Memphis and Tennessee communities, including food insecurity, obesity and other social determinants of health, and possible local solutions to address these challenges.
“Magic happens when a child plants a seed that grows into something natural and healthy to eat,” Ms. Evans said. “These grants will help give many children the opportunity to grow their own nutritious food, and this experience will shape healthy eating choices for the rest of their lives.”
Studies show school gardening, combined with a healthy lunch program or nutrition education, encourages healthier food choices. Children are also more likely to eat fruits and vegetables they have grown themselves.
Tennessee youth rank 50th, with more than a third of children ages 10-17 are overweight or obese, according to America’s Health Rankings. This is higher than the national average of 31 percent.
“Food insecurity, including food deserts, obesity, and diabetes are serious health concerns that can be alleviated through better awareness and familiarity with growing and preparing healthy meals,” said Dr. Cassidy. “On behalf of United Health Foundation, we are grateful for the opportunity to support these organizations instilling healthy habits and setting students on the path to success.”