PINE BLUFF, Arkansas — The African American Mayors Association (AAMA), in partnership with the American Beverage Foundation for a Healthy America (ABFHA), has awarded the Pine Bluff a $75,000 grant to support local initiatives focused on food access, affordability, and education.
The funding is part of a broader $600,000 grant program distributed across seven U.S. cities, aimed at improving nutrition and expanding community-based health programs.
How Pine Bluff Plans to Use the Grant
Pine Bluff will invest the funds into its initiative titled “From the Garden to the Kitchen,” a youth-centered program led by YEAH8. The project is designed to teach children practical skills such as:
- Growing fresh produce
- Preparing nutritious meals
- Building long-term healthy lifestyle habits
In addition to hands-on gardening and cooking, the program will include media training, allowing students to create and share content that promotes wellness within the community.
Supporting Health and Food Access
Organizers say the grant will help expand access to nutrition education while strengthening local partnerships and community engagement. The initiative also aims to provide safe, enriching environments for youth and families.
Across all selected cities, the funding will support programs such as:
- Community gardens and produce distribution
- Nutrition workshops and cooking classes
- Pop-up events promoting healthy eating
- Food pantry expansion and education programs
Other Cities Receiving Grants
The grant program categorized awards based on city size:
- Large Cities ($175K): Durham
- Mid-Sized Cities ($125K): Evansville and Jonesboro
- Small Cities ($75K): Pine Bluff and Laurel
- Towns ($12.5K): Marianna and North Courtland
In Arkansas, Marianna will use its funding to expand the Delta Dream Food Pantry by adding educational workshops on budgeting, nutrition, and meal preparation.
A Step Toward Healthier Communities
Officials say the initiative is intended to drive long-term improvements in community health by addressing food insecurity and promoting better dietary habits. By combining education with hands-on experiences, programs like Pine Bluff’s aim to create lasting change for future generations.