The Aetna Foundation today announced that it has awarded community grants to 23 nonprofit organizations as part of its Cultivating Healthy Communities initiative. This program is designed to promote healthy eating and active living, strengthen health equity and advance innovations that make it possible for people to have more healthy days. The projects will benefit communities by improving health indicators such as access to healthy foods, increased physical activity, reduced incidences of bullying, more spaces for walking and biking safely and more.
“At the Aetna Foundation, we know that where you live has a profound impact on how you live,” said Garth Graham, MD, MPH, president of the Aetna Foundation. “These grantees have a track record of positively impacting what happens in schools, child care centers, parks, corner stores and kitchen tables by giving youth and adults the skills and information to make good choices. What’s most exciting is that these grants put the power to stay healthy in the hands of community residents—creating sustainable change that can improve health outcomes nationwide.”
This funding addresses the need to improve opportunities for all Americans—regardless of income, education or ethnic background—to take an active role in living healthier lives. In 2014, 14 percent of American households faced food insecurity, and more than 23 million Americans lived in food deserts — rural or urban neighborhoods more than one mile away from the nearest grocery store. A total of $937,000 supports projects that expand healthy food choices for families.
In addition, children who are perceived as different, or socially isolated, are more likely to be bullied. This puts youth in underserved communities at greater risk of depression, decreased academic achievement and health complaints. Grantees across 12 states will work with youth and adults on these and other critical topics that impact their community. Awards for anti-bullying projects total $400,000.
Since 2014, the Aetna Foundation’s Cultivating Healthy Communities grant program has awarded more than $11.4 million in grants and sponsorships. Cultivating Healthy Communities is a key part of the Foundation’s overall multi-million dollar commitment to building a healthier world, community by community.
In 2016, more than $2 million in grants have been awarded to the following programs:
Organization
Project Description
State Served
Community Matters
Initiative to reduce bullying and cyberbullying at seven middle and high schools by equipping students to intervene and speak up
California
Cycles of Change
School bike clubs in low-income areas that teach safe, urban riding and promote biking as a viable way to exercise
California
National Conference for Community and Justice
Education of high school students so they can be lifelong social justice allies and challenge all forms of bias-based bullying
Connecticut
Florida International University—Banyan Research Institute on Dissemination, Grants, & Evaluation
Expansion of yoga classes to low income, racial/ethnic minority high school students
Florida
St. Vincent’s Healthcare Foundation
Mobile health outreach pediatric nutrition and wellness initiative
Florida
2nd Mile Ministries
Summer camps and year-round after school programs to children in Jacksonville
Florida
Foundation for Orange County Public Schools
Free counseling and mental health education to students, teachers, and families
Florida
Common Threads
In-classroom nutrition education for students at 12 K-8 schools
Illinois
University of Chicago
Community-based education and training for youth ages 8-18 building knowledge about cyberbullying
Illinois
The Ecology Center
Establishment of a nexus for city-wide recycling action at 24 elementary and middle schools
Michigan
Lower Sioux Indian Community
Community gardens, culturally tailored cooking classes, physical activities for youth and families, and mindfulness practice for tribal community
Minnesota
Capital District Community Gardens
System for providing low-income residents with access to affordable fresh produce, while connecting local farms with urban consumers
New York
Live Healthy Appalachia
Cooking classes that teach rural residents how to choose and prepare more whole foods
Ohio
United Way of Central Ohio
Expansion of a corner store network to help owners stock, market and sell healthy foods
Ohio
The Ohio State University Foundation
Career training and nutrition education for students interested in food sustainability careers
Ohio
United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania
Nutrition classes and cooking demonstrations for recent immigrants
Pennsylvania
Ambassadors for Christ Youth Ministries
Wellness programming for homeless and displaced youth after school and during the summer
Texas
Recipe for Success Foundation
Farmer training and business incubation support to U.S. veterans and teens
Texas
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Foundation
Expansion of the “Creating Healthy Eating Choice for Kids” program to 14 elementary schools
Texas
Marathon Kids
Transformation of parks, corner stores, and farm stands to be accessible, family-friendly, and responsive to community needs
Texas
University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio
Education of Hispanic youth to take action regarding poor air quality in their communities through after school programs
Texas
The Planning Council
Expansion of access to fresh produce by connecting child care providers, farmers and families and setting up new food delivery and pick-up hubs
Virginia
Core-El Centro
Resident-led effort to improve physical spaces and increase recycling activities in Milwaukee’s Latino neighborhoods
Wisconsin
About the Aetna Foundation
The Aetna Foundation is the independent charitable and philanthropic arm of Aetna (NYSE: AET). Since 1980, Aetna and the Aetna Foundation have contributed more than $465 million in grants and sponsorships. As a national health foundation, we promote wellness, health, and access to high-quality health care for everyone. This work is enhanced by the time and commitment of Aetna employees, who have volunteered 3.8 million hours since 2003. For more information, visit www.aetnafoundation.org.
