Explanation
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this legislation is to authorize an advance payment grant agreement with Greater Community Foundation in support of their Soulful Steps Program. The Soulful Steps Program aims to encourage healthy lifestyles, particularly in the Linden community of Columbus, Ohio, through engaging and enjoyable physical activity. By combining fitness with fun, this initiative will address health disparities in a food desert where residents often lack access to fresh and nutritious food, contributing to high obesity rates and related health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Through bi-monthly line dancing sessions, Soulful Steps will provide a safe and supportive space to improve cardiovascular health, promote weight loss, and foster community well-being.
The Linden Community continues to be a food desert, meaning it has limited access to affordable and nutritious food. Residents often rely on fast food, gas stations, and corner stores for meals, which exacerbates health challenges such as obesity and chronic diseases. Despite the high prevalence of health issues, there are few accessible programs to encourage regular physical activity. Soulful Steps will fill this gap by offering an engaging, culturally relevant, and consistent fitness program tailored to the community’s needs. Specifically, the Program will:
1. Promote physical activity;
2. Offer health education; and
3. Provide monthly transportation to full-service grocery stores.
FISCAL IMPACT: Funding in the amount of $7,500.00 is available in the Neighborhood Initiatives Subfund, Subfund 100018.
REASON FOR EMERGENCY: Soulful Steps programming occurs on a rolling basis and therefore, costs associated with programming are ongoing. The organizers are in need of financial assistance to continue providing services.
Title
To authorize and direct the City Clerk to enter an advance payment grant agreement with Greater Community Foundation in support of the Soulful Steps P...
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