The Nutrition Equity Zone Planning Grant sought to fund two (2) collectives (at least 3 different organizational partners per proposal) who were collaboratively doing the work and have “skin in the game” to achieve nutrition equity in Greater Cleveland. The goal is to work with these two collectives to formally recognize their creativity, innovation, collaborative spirit, and ongoing investments to realize freedom, hope, and dignity in food traditions resulting in holistic health for BIPOC communities in Greater Cleveland. This unique funding opportunity was designed to work with these collectives to connect and amplify their work as they plan to become a Nutrition Equity Zone.
- Award Type: Grant
- Awarded Amount: $70,000 per collective
- Project Period: 6 months; December 13, 2024 to June 13, 2025
Congratulations to the Multi-Generational Approach to the Food System Project!
Elements of Internal Movement, along with Buckeye HEAL and The FARE Project, will focus on the Buckeye and Mt. Pleasant neighborhoods. With years of experience in youth and community engagement, the team will pilot innovative, multi-generational, and hands-on learning opportunities to better connect residents to local food resources. These will be used to intentionally engage community members of all ages to develop a comprehensive plan for a neighborhood-based food system that works for all residents.
Congratulations to the Arrow Project!
Food Depot to Health, along with partners from East Preparatory Academy, Collinwood Horizons Farm, and multiple community partners, will focus on an area stretching across Wards 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 on Cleveland’s eastside. This collective will be planning for the establishment of a Nutrition Equity Zone that will serve as a hub for community engagement, offering food is medicine education to schools and community groups and improving community health through sustainable food production practices.
Meet the Grantees!
Shirley Bell-Wheeler is a wife, mom, counselor, creative, educator, farmer, and legacy Mt.Pleasant resident . Her values of love above everything, healing, equity, and family is evident in her work. She is the executive officer of Elements of Internal Movement. Her work includes healing through art with young people, connecting farming to STEM, and meeting basic needs in a community she loves. She attributes her proficiency to her experiences at Cleveland State University, Cleveland Metropolitan School District, Ohio Guidestone, and with several gracious mentors. The legacy she hopes to leave is the revolutionary act of love.
Ms. Toni is a trained Social Worker and currently serves as a student advisor and adjunct with the Educational Opportunity Center at Cuyahoga Community College & Human Services Program. Ms. Toni has previously worked with at Louis Stokes Department of Veteran Affairs with Homeless Veterans specific to Women Veterans and Children. Ms. Toni is best known as a Community Engagement Strategist.
Morgan Taggart has been working at the intersection of food systems, community-driven development and policy in Cleveland for the last 20 years. She is currently the Director of FARE|Food Access Raises Everyone, a collaborative initiative that works with grassroots partners and community leaders to improve access to healthy food using a community participatory framework and an equity-based approach. Prior to her work with FARE, she was a Founder and the Director of the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Food Policy Coalition, a public-private collaboration that advocated for local food policy and systems change. She received her Bachelors in Biology from Earlham College and her Master in Urban Planning, Design and Development at Cleveland State University.
Veronica Walton, RDH, Executive Director for Food Depot to Health a 501c3 not for profit organization. Veronica, seeks to develop her idea for a produce prescription program in both private and clinic setting dental practices. Using the food stands and farmers' markets of local food producers and growers to impact families with one or more diagnosed chronic disease including mental health illnesses.
Veronica, has been a Registered Dental Hygienist for more than 40 years. In addition to serving the dental community her experiences include; Urban farming with a focus on homestead hub development, farmers' market management, environmental health and safety consulting. she has represented the City of Cleveland Climate ambassador for Glenville, obtaining certificates such as Youth Mental Health first aid, Adolescent Health Advocate (CWRU, Cuyahoga County Youth Work Institute), Master rain-gardener, and Certified backyard habitat steward (NWF).
Veronica is a multifaceted hobbyist, she takes pleasure in praying, reading, and preparing food items, sewing, hiking while bird watching and seeking out flora and fauna. Veronica resides in Cleveland, Ohio with her Husband Michael, 2 grown children and lovely grandchildren.
Eugene Miller is an experienced professional with a background in government, community leadership, and business management. As a former Cleveland City Council Member and State Representative, he has a strong track record of fostering collaboration, engaging constituents, and shaping impactful legislation. Currently serving as the Managing Partner of Miller Mosley Group, he excels in strategic planning, business development, and operational efficiency. Eugene holds an MBA in Business Administration and Management from Tiffin University and continues to dedicate his efforts to community development and economic empowerment.
Ms. Lisa A. Turner has served in the urban education sector for over 20 years. She is the current Director of East Prep Academy, lovingly nestled in the 40th block of Cleveland's east side. The students at East Prep have been engaged in learning about bringing food safely from the farm to the table.
Drew is an avid indoor gardening enthusiast and instructor partnered with Food Depot to plan and implement indoor and out gardening programing for school age children in urban Cleveland neighborhoods and schools. He has worked in various points in the food system; from farming to food production to retail, combining theory with lived experience and industry practices to provide impactful programing.