America's beverage companies know obesity is complex and we're committed to helping communities tackle this tough challenge from all angles. Which is why the Childhood Obesity Prevention Grants, a program sponsored by the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the American Beverage Foundation for a Healthy America, rewards cities like Knoxville, Tenn. for being trailblazers in tackling such a complex community issue. This year, Knoxville became a first-place winner in the medium city category for their “Neighborhoods to Nature” program, winning $120,000 in grant funding.  

“Our ‘Neighborhoods to Nature’ program really focuses on kids who have less access to nature and recreational opportunities, so we’re coming out to them,” said Mayor of Knoxville, Madeline Anne Rogero.

The program hosts walks, demonstrations on preparing healthy meals and other various in-park activities. Mayor Rogero directly participates in the day-to-day functions of this program: Rogero, along with city council officials, take residents on regular walks from their homes to local parks allowing everyone to come together and spend time as a community.

“We have a thousand-acre urban wilderness, 95 city parks, we really wanted to get kids out and experiencing nature,” said Mayor Rogero.

The additional funding from the Childhood Obesity Prevention Grant will allow Knoxville to build a mobile recreational center for at-risk neighborhoods, according to a city of Knoxville press release.

Congratulations to the city of Knoxville and Mayor Rogero on this much deserved award, the “Neighborhoods to Nature” program is bringing access to health and wellness to neighborhoods that need it the most and will continue to transform communities for years to come. Find out more on the Childhood Obesity Prevention Awards here and check out the video below for more information on “Neighborhoods to Nature”.