#United States #Miami #Food Security #Common Threads #Florida Blue

Florida Blue Foundation's Support for Common Threads to Combat Food Insecurity

In a significant move to improve nutrition and combat food insecurity in Miami, the Florida Blue Foundation has committed a $400,000 multi-year grant to Common Threads, a respected nonprofit organization dedicated to nutrition education and healthy cooking. This grant, part of the Florida Blue Foundation's Food Security Grant program, is set to support initiatives from October 2024 through September 2028.

A Vision for Healthier Communities

Common Threads has been at the forefront of nutrition education in America for more than two decades, working to establish healthier connections between individuals and their food. With this new funding, the organization aims to expand its presence in the Allapattah neighborhood, regarded as a vital area in Miami that suffers from significant health disparities.

Linda Novick O'Keefe, CEO and Co-Founder of Common Threads, expressed gratitude for the support, stating, "This generous grant from the Florida Blue Foundation will help us bring life-changing resources to families who need them most." The focus is not solely on teaching cooking but also on providing families with the necessary knowledge and tools to foster healthier lifestyles.

Addressing Health Disparities

The initiative aligns with the Florida Blue Foundation's broader goal of addressing systemic poverty and health disparities affecting various Florida neighborhoods. The Allapattah Collaborative CDC was identified as a crucial partner in this effort due to its strong community ties and record of effective collaborations.

Susan Towler, Executive Director of Florida Blue CSR/Florida Blue Foundation, commended Common Threads for its impactful work, stating, “Their approach to nutrition education and focus on long-term wellness resonates perfectly with our mission to create healthier communities.” Through this grant, Common Threads aims to educate over 2,600 youth and adults in the Allapattah area.

Empowering Local Residents

In collaboration with the Village of Allapattah YMCA, Common Threads will provide evidence-based cooking and nutrition education. Programs will emphasize practical cooking skills, accessible healthy food options, and the importance of sourcing local ingredients to further benefit the community’s economy.

The cooperation extends to patrons of La Bodega Food Pantry, where both organizations aim to tackle the obesity epidemic prevalent in low-income communities. Gabe Ochoa, Senior Vice President of Community Health Advancement at the YMCA of South Florida, commented on the partnership, saying, “This collaboration will have a meaningful impact on the Allapattah community.”

A Legacy of Impact

For over 20 years, Common Threads has worked diligently to reduce barriers to healthy eating through numerous programs. With over 2,200 school partnerships, the organization has already served more than five million meals and positively affected the nutritional health of over one million individuals. Their commitment extends to a pledge made to the White House Challenge to end hunger and promote healthy communities by delivering two million nutritious meals and two million hours of nutrition education by 2030.

This newly acquired grant from the Florida Blue Foundation underscores the commitment of both organizations to effect meaningful change in communities that are often overlooked. By tackling the root causes of food insecurity, they are paving the way for healthier lifestyles and empowering families with the necessary tools to thrive. For more information about Common Threads and their initiatives, visit commonthreads.org.