Now more than ever, the work our nation’s mayors are doing to advance healthy communities is critically important.

The Foundation and the American Beverage Association (ABA) have a long history of working with the United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) to support programs that address childhood obesity, environmental health and sustainability by encouraging community members to engage in healthier behaviors. Since the beginning of this partnership in 2012, USCM and the Foundation, with the support of ABA, have awarded 68 cities across the country with 75 grants worth $5.8 million. 

At the USCM 91st Winter Meeting, $745,000 in grants were awarded to nine cities. Below are the nine U.S. cities and programs who received 2023 grant awards:

Large City:

• 1st Place: Charlotte, N.C., and the Deputy Diversion Program
• 2nd Place: Arlington, Texas and Healthy Connections: A Healthy Arlington Initiative
• 3rd Place: Louisville, Ky., and Louisville is Engaging Children Outdoors, or Louisville ECHO

Medium City:

• 1st Place: Lansing, Mich., and Grow Lansing
• 2nd Place: Allentown, Pa., and The Marathon Mayor initiative
• 3rd Place: Gastonia, N.C., and Litter Free Walkways

Large City:

• 1st Place: Oak Park, Ill., and the Cross Community Climate Collaborative (C4)
• 2nd Place: Aguadilla, PR and the Recycling Interactive Walking Trail
• 3rd Place: Mount Vernon, N.Y., and the Healthy Living Cafe

 

Learn more about each of the winning programs here and about the history of the grant program here.