GET GRANTS Dumfries Awarded $75K Grant by African American Mayors Association AdminApril 23, 2025019 views Provided by African American Mayors Association On April 17, 2025, the African American Mayors Association (AAMA) and the American Beverage Foundation for a Healthy America (ABFHA), in partnership with American Beverage, named seven cities with African American mayors as recipients of significant grants to advance essential programs that improve community health. Locally, Dumfries received a $75,000 grant in the Small Sized City population category. The announcement took place during the African American Mayors Association National Conference in Washington, D.C., April 16 to18. “One of my main goals has been to heal this community through healthy eating and active living,” said Dumfries Mayor Derrick Wood. “This grant from the American Beverage Foundation for a Healthy America will help me to do just that, heal this community.” Mayors in the selected cities will apply the funds towards resources such as community gardens, food pantries, produce distribution and healthy family cooking classes. These funds will help attract additional investments for the nutrition issues these cities are facing. “Nutrition access, affordability and education are cornerstones of a healthy community. That’s why America’s beverage companies are proud to partner with AAMA to support mayors as they work tirelessly to improve the health and well-being of our communities,” said Kevin Keane, president and CEO of American Beverage and president of the ABFHA Board of Directors. “Our deep congratulations to the winning mayors and their cities on the outstanding efforts. These grants, coupled with delivering choice and information, will help our communities make the best choices for themselves and their families.” Since launching the partnership in 2022, 16 cities and towns have received more than $2 million in grants from ABFHA and AAMA to support nutrition and food access programs. Grant winners were selected by a panel of judges composed of former mayors chosen by AAMA. Dumfries will use its award to initiate the Boys and Girls Clubs’ “Healthy Habits” curriculum, which focuses on educating children about nutrition, physical activity, mental health support and healthy living practices. Partnerships with local food banks, health clinics and community organizations will expand access to nutritious food, healthcare and safe recreational opportunities. About the African American Mayors Association The African American Mayors Association (AAMA) is the only organization dedicated to representing over 500 African American mayors across the United States. AAMA seeks to empower local leaders for the benefit of their citizens. The role of the AAMA includes taking positions on public policies that impact the vitality and sustainability of cities; providing mayors with leadership and management tools; and creating a forum for member mayors to share best practices related to municipal management. About the American Beverage Foundation for a Healthy America The American Beverage Foundation for a Healthy America seeks to make a significant contribution to the health of local communities by providing grants to support community organizations that work to advance both the physical health of their local citizens and the environmental health of their communities. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) created and funded by America’s non-alcoholic beverage industry and is a reflection of the industry’s longstanding tradition of giving back to communities. Learn more at beveragefoundation.org. Source link