Methodist Healthcare, in collaboration with the HCA Healthcare Foundation, has awarded a $25,000 grant to the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio for its Culinary Health Education for Families (CHEF) program. This grant is part of the HCA Healthcare Foundation's Health Equity Catalyst Grant Program, focusing on nonprofit organizations nationwide that combat food insecurity and promote access to healthy foods.
Palmira Arellano, Vice President of Community Engagement for Methodist Healthcare, emphasized the significance of partnering with Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio, commending their grassroots efforts to address health inequity. The organization's comprehensive approach extends beyond the kitchen table, inspiring healthy choices, and positively influencing family lifestyles.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio are dedicated to empowering youth, especially those in need, to realize their full potential in a secure and positive environment fostering education, health, and character development. The CHEF program specifically targets diabetes, hypertension, and obesity in local, low-income neighborhoods by educating students about their food, teaching them to prepare simple, healthy recipes, and instilling basic culinary skills.
Praising the collaboration with HCA Foundation, Ada Saenz, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio, expressed gratitude for the support that enables the growth and sustainability of the CHEF teaching program. The program is an integral part of the broader Healthy Lifestyles curriculum, aligning with the organization's mission to eliminate barriers to equitable access to health, healthcare, and healthy lifestyles for Club members.
The Health Equity Catalyst Grant Program, initiated in August 2023, provides one-time operating grants to organizations and collaboratives actively addressing health inequities. The program aims to enhance culturally and structurally competent services, promote high-impact health equity programming, support collaborative health equity initiatives, and address the root causes of health inequities.
