American Heart Association commends Mayor & Common Council for continued investment in healthy food access

MILWAUKEE, Wis., November 25, 2019— The American Heart Association commends Mayor Tom Barrett and the Milwaukee Common Council, with leadership from Alderwoman Coggs, for allocating funds to hire a Healthy Food Access Coordinator.

The Coordinator will organize community food systems and focus on increasing access to healthy and affordable food for all Milwaukee residents. We have seen this type of coordination, help other communities across the country, including Madison, better manage and utilize their own Healthy Food Establishment Fund, something that we hope to mirror, here in Milwaukee.

“We are grateful to the Mayor and the Common Council who have pursued access to healthy food with a relentless spirit. We know that a lot of tough decisions were made in the budget process, and are thankful that our elected leaders saw the urgency and need for a role like this” said Chantel Byrd, Chair of the American Heart Association’s Diversity & Inclusion Impact Committee.

The American Heart Association has seen similar investments, create more opportunities and truly move the needle on healthy food access. “We need someone who can help connect the dots between community needs, business owners, local CDFIs and the City, and this new Coordinator position will do just that” says Oby Nwabuzor, Community Impact Director at the American Heart Association.

In the Milwaukee Elevate assessment, conducted by the Milwaukee Health Department, nearly 40% of Milwaukeeans selected “access to affordable and healthy food” as the biggest barrier impacting their health. “Nutritious options are not readily available in all parts of Milwaukee, but access to healthy food should not depend on someone’s zip code. Hiring a Healthy Food Access Coordinator is another great step towards making Milwaukee a more equitable food community” said Byrd.

About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.