Helping families eat well isn't a one-organization job. It takes neighbors, local businesses, and community organizations all working toward the same goal; that's exactly what the Power of Produce (PoP) Club represents.

Now in its third season, the PoP Club meets twice monthly at the Decatur County Farmers Market, offering youth interactive nutrition lessons, food tastings, and $5 produce incentives to spend with local vendors. This season alone, 102 young participants have explored the health benefits of strawberries and apples through taste tests, hands-on activities, and take-home recipes, making healthy eating both accessible and engaging.

Efforts like the PoP Club advance the same Policy, Systems, and Environmental (PSE) goals that guide HOP — strengthening the role of local farmers markets as community health assets, increasing fresh produce access through incentive dollars, and creating environments where healthy choices are the easy choice for youth and families.

When community partners share a vision, good things grow!

Haywood County Extension’s partnership with Haywood County Schools’ Purple Pantry continues to expand efforts supporting food access and nutrition education. During the April distribution event, approximately 30 families participated.

In alignment with the pantry’s nutrition policy, the event included food demonstrations, tastings, and nutrition education materials while emphasizing the distribution of nutrient-dense foods.

In collaboration with the Tennessee Department of Health, an Active Living Workshop is planned for the Brownsville community to explore built environment and physical activity opportunities. We are grateful for our continued partnership with TDH in advancing healthy communities across Tennessee!

Dr. Melinda Spooner will be transitioning out of her role as Be More Program Manager. As she relocates to be closer to family, we are deeply grateful for her dedication and the countless contributions she has made to this work and to the communities we serve.

Please join us in wishing Melinda all the best in this next chapter!

Making summer travel plans? Be sure to visit a Tennessee farmers market along the way! Fresh produce, local goods, and unique vendors make farmers markets a great stop on any trip. Check out this map a farmers market on your journey. 

🔷 Lots of Compassion Grant provides funding to help communities transform vacant lots into vibrant community gardens. In 2026, ten organizations will each receive $20,000 to support projects that promote community connection, wellness, and access to green spaces. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, schools, universities, and other tax-exempt organizations serving under-resourced communities. Applications are due June 15, 2026. Learn more and apply here.

🔷 Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation Neighborhood Grants support organizations providing nutrition education and healthy food access for children and families. Grants of up to $5,000 are available for schools and 501(c)(3) nonprofits. Programs located in states where Sprouts stores operate are eligible for funding, with priority given to applicants located within a 10-mile radius of a Sprouts store.
Learn more and apply here.

The High Obesity Program is made possible with funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The views expressed in this newsletter do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the CDC or imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. Learn more about the High Obesity Program (HOP) program at https://www.cdc.gov/dnpao-state-local-programs/php/about/.