SEED FUNDS HELP CHURCHES PROMOTE HEALTHY LIFESTYLES

The Healthy Congregations Board, an initiative of the Community Foundation of NW MS, has announced the award of $4,000 in seed funds to ten projects engaging 23 faith based organizations in seven counties to implement strategies that will increase consumption of fresh, local vegetables, promote physical activity and focus attention on chronic disease prevention through healthier personal choices and advocacy for creating healthier communities.  Projects funded include church gardens, walking clubs, fitness classes, addition of health curriculum in Vacation Bible School, healthier foods at church gatherings and on-going health education through special events.

 

The seed funds will go to these participants in the first annual health conference held last October at Desoto Civic Center where nearly 400 residents from 17 counties gathered to hear keynote speaker, Dr. Kenneth S. Robinson, make a powerful case for including health as a part of the mission within the faith community.

 

Congregations who received seed funds include:

Concord Missionary Baptist (M.B.) Church in Panola County

First Baptist Church of Clarksdale

Hearn Grove Community Outreach and Eason Grove M.B. Church in Marshall County

First United Church in Batesville

Old Bethel M.B. Church in Tallahatchie County

Pleasant Hope M.B. Church and Mt. Zion M.B Church in Quitman County

St. Paul M.B. and Wisdom, Knowledge & Understanding Church in Desoto County

West Antioch #2  M.B. Church in Tate County

Mt. Calm M. B. Church in Tate County

The Rising Sun Usher Federation representing 12 churches in Desoto, Tate, Marshall and Panola Counties