The YWCA of Asheville is steadfast in its mission of eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. Our programs are designed to impact low-income individuals and BIPOC communities.

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The YWCA kindly requests $1,000 for our garden. This funding would allow the YWCA to increase equitable access to nutrition education while beautifying the space. Access to nutrition education and fresh, nutritious food is often limited by factors such as socioeconomic status, geographic location, cultural barriers, and availability of resources. Nutrition is a key factor in the healthy cognitive development of children.

 

Children receive 67% of their calories per day from childcare. That's why it’s important that each child in our care receives a healthy breakfast, lunch, and snack in our program. The YWCA’s Nutrition Department serves more than 600 children and over 50,000 healthy meals annually across both our Early Learning Program and Empowerment Childcare. Additionally, in partnership with local farms, our nutrition department teaches “food literacy” to our students followed by a fun educational activity to make this experience developmentally appropriate for all the children in our program. Nutrition education and ensuring youth in our care have access to healthy foods are critical in promoting healthy lifestyles and increasing positive health outcomes for those living in low-income communities in Asheville.

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This project is most sustainable with a contracted community member dedicated to its long-term success through coordination of educational programming and upkeep of the space