Two recent Bank of America grants will benefit area education and health initiatives.
Bank of America provided a $10,000 grant to Aiken Technical College Foundation for the Student Completion Microgrants Program, according to a news release from Aiken Technical College.
Eligible students must have completed at least 75% of their program of study but are at risk of not finishing it for financial reasons.
“Partnering with Aiken Technical College to address important issues like workforce development and employment is part of our commitment to creating sustainable change in our community,” said Ora Parish, president of Bank of America Augusta-Aiken in the news release. “Investing in Augusta-Aiken organizations demonstrates how Bank of America is taking action to provide the resources and support needed to help build thriving communities long-term.”
One student who has benefited from the grant is Kendra Tucker.
“Receiving this grant has alleviated a significant financial burden and has allowed me to continue my education with a greater sense of focus and dedication,” Tucker wrote in a thank you note to Bank of America. “I am truly honored and grateful for this generous financial assistance.”
Another organization benefitting from Bank of America’s grants is Augusta Locally Grown.
The organization received $15,000 for its 11th annual Georgia Food for Health (GF4H) vegetable prescription program.
“The GF4H program is dedicated to improving the health of 115 people suffering from diet-related diseases and their families. Through monthly clinic visits, dietary consultations, family-wide prescriptions and cooking classes, the program aims to combat food insecurity and promote healthier lifestyles. The latest grant from Bank of America will be instrumental in providing essential resources for the renowned GF4H program such as cooking lessons, wellness support and vegetable prescriptions for the program participants,” according to July 9 news release from Augusta Locally Grown.
“We are incredibly grateful to have Bank of America’s continued support towards this monumental life-changing program,” said ALG GF4H Program Manager Nandy Cordova, in the release. “This grant will be used to further promote lifestyle changes and the utmost wellness for those who need it most…the ones who live in a food desert and swamp currently.”
The Georgia Food for Health program has been recognized nationally. Quality of life data from the program was published in the “Journal of Preventative Medicine, Epidemiology and Public Health” in 2020.
According to the news release more than 75% of the program’s participants have been able to reduce or eliminate medication by adopting principles learned through the veggie prescription program.
Charmain Z. Brackett, the publisher of Augusta Good News and Inspiring: Women of Augusta, has covered Augusta’s news for more than 35 years and is a Georgia Press Association award winner. Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews.com. Sign up for the newsletter here.
