Anthem Blue Cross Funds Garden Club at Visalia-Gindick Boys & Girls Club with $5,100 Grant

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

VISALIA, CA, August 31st, 2023 – Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sequoias is delighted to announce a $5,100 grant received from Anthem Blue Cross, a prominent partner and one of the lead corporate sponsors of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Triple Play program. The grant will specifically fund the Triple Play: Healthy Habits Garden Club, aimed at addressing health disparities among children and teens in Tulare County.

According to the 2022 Valley Children's Community Health Needs Assessment, children and teenagers in Tulare County face higher rates of health issues compared to the national average. These statistics reveal that 26.9% of children under 12 are overweight, 23% have experienced food insecurities in the past year, and only 21.6% consume the recommended five or more servings of fruits and vegetables daily. Compounded by the fact that 94% of the youth served by Boys & Girls Clubs come from low-income households, the urgency to address these health challenges becomes paramount.

The Healthy Habits Garden Club aims to empower these young individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to make healthier choices. The Anthem Blue Cross-supported program, which runs from May 1 to August 31, 2023, utilizes a designated garden area at the Visalia-Gindick Boys & Girls Club with eight raised beds. Through interactive sessions and practical activities, participants learn about the nutritional value of vegetables and fruits, as well as gain the ability, confidence, and motivation to cultivate healthy eating patterns for life.

“Amerigroup’s support of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sequoias and the Triple Play: Healthy Habits Garden Club is another example of how we are living our commitment to improving health and lives,” said Anthony E. Woods, President of Amerigroup Washington. “Amerigroup is proud to play a key role in providing the resources and opportunities our youth need to develop essential life skills and learn about nutritious eating habits. We look forward to watching our youth thrive through this effort and to continue supporting them as they build a stronger, healthier future.”

The program's success is anticipated to be measured by tangible outcomes. By the end of the program, the Visalia-Gindick Boys & Girls Club aims to have taught 20 youth about the nutritional benefits of specific vegetables and fruits, along with teaching them how to grow these items. Participants will also learn how to cook four healthy meals using the vegetables they cultivate. Additionally, the Triple Play program not only focuses on physical health but also contributes to emotional well-being and social development.

Recently, the Visalia-Gindick Club hosted an informative showcase to offer parents and members insight into the Garden Club's activities. During this event, three members of the Garden Club shared their experiences, showcasing their journey and growth through engaging discussions about their time spent in the garden. Additionally, they demonstrated their creativity by crafting beautiful bouquets using the flowers that they cultivated themselves. This showcase serves as a testament to the value of the program in fostering not only practical skills but also a sense of community and personal accomplishment. The success of this program paves the way for potential expansion to other Boys & Girls Club sites. 

Parents, if you would like your child to join the Healthy Habits Garden Club, you can get your child registered online at bgcsequoias.org/registration. Memberships cost only $15 a year.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sequoias

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sequoias is focused on helping all young people, especially those who need us most, become responsible, caring and productive members of society. Boys & Girls Clubs were established in Tulare County in the 1990’s when Exeter and Visalia community leaders responded to the need for a positive place for local youth to spend free time after school. Today, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sequoias provides services at 7 Clubs throughout Tulare County. Clubs provide a wide span of activities for local youth, varying from STEM to sports. www.bgcsequoias.org 

For More Information

Please contact: Leticia Betancourt | (559) 592-4074 | leticia.betancourt@bgcsequoias.org