Foundation Extends Community Wellness Grant to New Orleans
Community wellness programs at clinics and other sites will refer patients in disease management groups to Fit NOLA Live Well; participants will get an NORDC key card for free fitness activities at 12 NORDC recreation centers, 12 summer and three year-round pools, and several playgrounds.
The city of New Orleans has received a $700,000 grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to continue supporting the community's health and wellness, Mayor Mitch Landrieu announced July 11, adding that the grant will fund a partnership between the city Health Department's FIT NOLA initiative, the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission, the New Orleans Recreation Development Foundation, Market Umbrella, Louisiana Public Health Institute, and community wellness programs through 2018.
The "FIT NOLA Live Well" program aims to improve health outcomes for vulnerable families by connecting them with free fitness programming at NORDC parks and with local farmers' markets; they can receive vouchers for fresh fruit and vegetables.
"Health and wellness initiatives remain a top priority across our community," Landrieu said. "I am grateful that W.K. Kellogg Foundation is supporting this innovative, cross-sector program. The foundation remains committed to keeping our community healthy, safe, and just. This partnership will help us address our physical activity and healthy eating goals in advance of the city's 300th anniversary in 2018."
Community wellness programs at clinics and other sites will refer patients in disease management groups to Fit NOLA Live Well; participants will get an NORDC key card for free fitness activities at 12 NORDC recreation centers, 12 summer and three year-round pools, and several playgrounds.
"The Kellogg Foundation is proud to support this partnership. Access to good food and wellness programs give New Orleans' communities the healthy foundation its children and families need to thrive," said Christy Slater, foundation program officer.