Savannah Standard

The City of Savannah has been awarded a grant amounting to $125,000 from the African American Mayors Association, in collaboration with the American Beverage Foundation for a Healthy America. The monetary support is intended to promote access to healthy foods, improve nutrition education, and address affordability in underserved areas.

Savannah was one of seven cities chosen through a competitive application process, which focused on innovative and equitable public health strategies. “We have to create opportunities as a loving and just community to ensure that all young people have access to clean, good, healthy food,” stated Mayor Van R. Johnson, II. “I am so grateful, and I thank the American Beverage Foundation for a Healthy America and my beloved African American Mayors Association for helping us to be Savannah strong.”

The evaluation criteria for selection included demonstrated leadership in tackling community health issues, the robustness and sustainability of proposed initiatives, and the capacity to achieve measurable outcomes. Savannah will collaborate with Healthy Savannah to advance ongoing efforts concentrated on nutrition access, food affordability, and community-based education programs.

Kevin Keane, president and CEO of American Beverage and president of the ABFHA Board of Directors, remarked, “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. 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.”

A total of $600,000 in grants were disbursed this year. Savannah and New Orleans received $125,000 each in the mid-size city category. Atlanta was chosen for the large-size city category, receiving $175,000. Dumfries and Maywood were awarded $75,000 each in the small-sized city category. Earle and Ranking received $12,500 each in the town category.

The announcement of the grant occurred at the African American Mayors Association National Conference in Washington, D.C., from April 16 to 18.

About the African American Mayors Association (AAMA): The AAMA advocates for equitable policy solutions and represents more than 500 Black mayors across the United States, collaborating to enhance health, safety, and economic advancement in historically underserved communities.