November 2, 2026

Seven cities led by African American mayors will receive funding to strengthen food security, nutrition education and community health initiatives

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - The African American Mayors Association (AAMA) and the American Beverage Foundation for a Healthy America (ABFHA) are continuing their partnership to address nutrition inequities across the country, announcing a new round of grants totaling $600,000 for seven cities led by African American mayors.

Now entering its fifth year, the partnership is helping mayors tackle one of the most persistent challenges facing communities nationwide: ensuring that families have access to affordable, nutritious food and the information and resources they need to lead healthier lives. 

Through the Nutrition Access, Affordability, and Education Grant Program, mayors can expand existing initiatives or launch innovative community-based solutions, including farmers markets, community gardens, mobile fresh food markets, nutrition education workshops, food pantries and other programs designed to combat food insecurity.

Since the partnership began, 31 cities and towns have received a combined $3 million in grants, demonstrating the growing impact of investments that empower local leaders to respond directly to the needs of their residents.

“Access to healthy, affordable food should never depend on your ZIP code or your family's income,” said Phyllis Dickerson, CEO of the African American Mayors Association. “Every day, our mayors see firsthand how food insecurity and limited access to nutritious options affect the health and well-being of families in their communities. This partnership gives them the resources to move beyond identifying those challenges and implement meaningful, lasting solutions. We are grateful to the American Beverage Foundation for a Healthy America for recognizing that when we invest in the leadership of our mayors, we invest in healthier families, stronger neighborhoods and more resilient cities.” 

“As mayors, we understand that building stronger cities means addressing the everyday challenges that impact quality of life for our residents,” said AAMA President and Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott.  “Food insecurity is a matter of health, economic opportunity, and equity. No child should struggle to learn at school because they are hungry, and no family should have to choose between paying their bills and purchasing healthy food. This partnership puts resources directly into the hands of local leaders who know their communities best and are committed to delivering real results.”

The grants will be awarded across four population categories, ensuring that cities of varying sizes have opportunities to address their unique challenges:

• Large city: One $175,000 grant for a city with more than 250,000 residents.
• Mid-sized cities: Two $125,000 grants for cities with populations between 100,000 and 250,000.
• Small cities: Two $75,000 grants for cities with populations between 5,001 and 100,000.
• Micro cities and towns: Two $12,500 grants for communities with populations of 5,000 or fewer.

Eligible cities must be led by AAMA member mayors. Proposed programs must address at least one of several critical challenges, including limited access to affordable nutritious foods, insufficient nutrition education, food insecurity or barriers that prevent families from making informed decisions about their nutritional needs.

The program builds on several years of collaboration between AAMA and ABFHA, supporting locally designed initiatives that strengthen nutrition access and education. The grants also provide opportunities for cities to leverage additional public and private investments, extending the reach and sustainability of successful programs.

America's beverage companies are also working to support consumers in making informed choices through product innovation, expanded low- and zero-sugar beverage options, and voluntary initiatives aimed at reducing beverage calories in schools.

America's beverage companies support more than 4.5 million jobs nationwide, including 275,000 direct jobs across more than 4,000 facilities. Beyond their economic impact, beverage companies are expanding choices and increasing transparency to help Americans make informed decisions, with 60% of beverages purchased containing zero sugar.

"Strong communities start with local leaders who are committed to making a difference in the cities they serve," said Kevin Keane, president and CEO of American Beverage and president of the American Beverage Foundation for a Healthy America board of directors. "America's beverage companies are proud to continue our partnership with the African American Mayors Association, supporting locally driven solutions that expand access to nutritious foods and nutrition education. Together, we're helping mayors build healthier, stronger communities across America."

The application period closes on December 4, 2026. Grant recipients will be selected by a panel of former mayors designated by AAMA. Winning cities will be recognized at the 2027 African American Mayors Association Annual Conference in Baltimore, Maryland.

For additional information, eligibility requirements and application details, visit https://ourmayors.org/grants/.

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The African American Mayors Association (AAMA) is the only organization dedicated to representing over 500 African American mayors across the United States. AAMA seeks to empower local leaders for the benefit of their citizens. The role of the AAMA includes taking positions on public policies that impact the vitality and sustainability of cities; providing mayors with leadership and management tools; and creating a forum for member mayors to share best practices related to municipal management.