Introduction
The Mississippi Youth Community Gardens is a registered 501(c)(3) Non-Profit, in good standing, that promotes and educates the local population on the benefits of healthy meal preparation, the consumption of organic, locally grown produce, personal fitness and sustainable farming. Our goal is to make fresh, organic produce accessible to all families and to encourage a healthy and balanced diet and fitness regimen. We operate within the Mississippi Delta, one of the poorest, most under-served areas of the United States. The Mississippi Delta has some of the nation's highest rates of diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity which comes from poor diet and exercise. We are working to change this. The Mississippi Youth Community Gardens was founded by Mrs. Bobbie Grammer, a recent retiree and her husband Frank Grammer, a retired Vietnam Veteran and member of Law Enforcement to serve the local community. Mr. and Mrs. Grammer both draw a salary of $1.00 a year and have funded the current and previous activities of the charity out of their personal retirement accounts. At this time they seek funding to expand their offerings and broaden their organizational footprint within Mississippi.
The Tremendous Health Disparity, and Subsequent Need, Facing Mississippians
Mississippi Ranks # 1 in the United States for Diabetes
Mississippi Ranks # 1, for the Highest Diabetes Rate, Within the United States, with 14.7% of Mississippi’s Population Having Type II Diabetes, which is caused by poor diet and lack of exercise The Mississippi Youth Community Gardens operates within a community and a state that has tremendous need for our services. According to a CDC report issued in September of 2016, Mississippi Has The Nation’s Highest Rate of Diabetes with over 14.7 percent of our population living with this disease. Ten of the 12 states with the highest type 2 diabetes rates are in the South. The CDC projects that one-in-three adults could have diabetes by 2050.
Mississippi Ranks # 2 in the United States for Hypertension
Mississippi Ranks # 2, for the State with the highest rate of Hypertension, Within the United States, with 42.4% of Mississippi’s Population being classified as having Hypertension ‘High Blood Pressure’ In a study released in 2015, 42.4 percent of all Mississippi residents have hypertension, also known as high blood pressure. According to the American Heart Association, risks associated with High Blood Pressure are Damage to the Heart and Coronary Arteries, Stroke, Kidney Damage, Vision Loss, Erectile Dysfunction, Peripheral Artery Disease, Memory Loss, Fluid in the Lungs and other life altering and potentially fatal health consequences. Mississippi trails West Virginia which ranks # 1 for the highest percentage of adults with Hypertension by just .3 percentage points, with West Virginia’s rate being 42.8%.
Mississippi Ranks # 2 in the United States for Obesity
Mississippi # 2, along with West Virginia and Alabama, for having the Highest Rate of Obesity Within The United States, with 35.6 % of Mississippi’s Population being classified as ‘Obese’ In a study released in 2015, it was determined that 35.6% of Mississippi’s population is classified as being ‘Obese’. The health effects of people who are obese are numerous. People who are obese, compared to those with a normal or healthy weight, are at increased risk for many serious diseases and health conditions, including the following: All-causes of death (mortality) High blood pressure (Hypertension) and Cancer.
1 American Heart Association. Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics — 2006 Update. Dallas: American Heart Association, 2006.
2 Obesity Statistics — U.S. Trends. In The Obesity Society. (accessed April 2008).
3 What Are the Health Risks of Overweight and Obesity? In National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (accessed May 2010).
Event: The Children’s Food Fest!
The Children's Food Fest! is an event that our organization will hold in the upcoming Spring that would allow us to introduce to the community a healthier way of preparing meals that are both nutritious and delicious. The goal of the festival is to inspire and encourage individuals to embrace a healthy lifestyle that promotes wellness, fitness, regard for the environment and green living through the recognition of natural, organic and alternative food and products. Our program will include the Children's Food Fest! Entertainment where we will have child appropriate performers, Educational Speakers, Hands on cooking classes and a scavenger hunt. We seek funding to assist with the operational costs of the event, including tent placement, food, games and entertainment costs, and space rental. We would appreciate T-Mobile's partnership with us in this opportunity.
