Jan. 28, 2017
AUSTIN -- The Texas Medical Association Foundation (TMAF) presented its
top 2017 John P. McGovern Champion of Health Award to “Seed to Soul” project, a
program of Promise of Peace Gardens (POP) in Dallas. TMAF presented the award
at the 2017 TMA Winter Conference in Austin on Saturday. The award is TMAF’s
highest honor, and it recognizes exceptional projects that address urgent
public health threats and furthers TMAF’s mission to help physicians create a
healthier future for all Texans.
“We are beyond thrilled to receive this very validating and prestigious
award!” said Elizabeth Dry, founder and director of Promise of Peace Gardens.
“The monies will impact more than 500 families and give some serious wind to
our sails as we launch more Seed to Soul programming at the Bayles Elementary
School Promise of Peace Garden in 2017.”
Promise of Peace Gardens’ Seed to Soul program aims to stem the growing
trend of obesity by introducing children to fresh, healthy produce they help
cultivate from gardens at their elementary school. Nearly 66 percent of Texas
adults are overweight or obese, and their children are often overfed and
undernourished.
“Obesity can cause serious health problems. That’s why obesity and
obesity prevention are among TMA’s top public health priorities. We are very
pleased to support this effort, which provides families and children with a
more well-balanced and nutritious diet,” said Deborah A. Fuller, MD, president
of TMAF, TMA’s philanthropic arm.
Since 2009, Seed to Soul planted seven gardens at elementary schools in
North Texas, sowing the seeds of a healthy lifestyle for more than 5,000
families. One success story is Bayles Elementary in Dallas, where 98.9 percent
of children live below the poverty line. In 2016, POP planted a Seed to Soul
garden at Bayles that has grown to produce more than 7,000 pounds of fresh
fruit and vegetables in each of the school’s three growing seasons. Students at
Bayles learned how to plant, grow, and harvest their own food. Many were
introduced to new plants and vegetables and discovered that healthy food can be
delicious as well. By the end of each growing season, POP reports students had
become better stewards of their environment and were adding nutrient-dense food
to their family’s grocery lists and making healthier food choices.
POP receives a $5,000 grant as the TMAF Champion of Health top winner,
which the nonprofit will use to expand their Seed to Soul program at Bayles
Elementary by reaching out to the surrounding community. The organization will
conduct Seed to Soul educational family nights with the Bayles student body and
will plant one kitchen garden per growing season for a family who participates
in the program. POP also plans to expand the school’s garden area and begin
Seed to Soul cooking classes for students and family.
In addition to the $5,000 grant for program enhancement, TMAF’s top
Champion of Health Award winner receives a specially commissioned bronze
statue. The award is named after John P. McGovern, MD, a philanthropist,
scholar, and noted allergist who founded the John P. McGovern Foundation in
Houston. Dr. McGovern established a permanent endowment at TMAF, which supports
this award.
TMA is the largest state
medical society in the nation, representing more than 50,000 physician and
medical student members. It is located in Austin and has 110 component county
medical societies around the state. TMA’s key objective since 1853 is to
improve the health of all Texans. TMA Foundation
raises funds to support the public health and science priority initiatives of
TMA and the Family of Medicine.
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Contact: Brent
Annear (512) 370-1381; cell: (512) 656-7320; email: brent.annear[at]texmed[dot]org
Marcus Cooper (512) 370-1382; cell: (512)
650-5336; email: marcus.cooper[at]texmed[dot]org
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