Community Benefit gives $46,550 as part of programming partnership with Richmond Parks Department

March 4, 2022 -- As part of its mission to improve the health of the community, Reid Health Community Benefit has contributed more than $46,000 to the Richmond Parks and Recreation Department to help fund a variety of programs this year.

A total of $46,550 will be split between the Richmond Farmers Market, the Industrial Softball League, Just Us Kids Outdoors (JUKO), Get Healthy in the Parks, classes at the Richmond Senior Recreation Center, and the Family Series of events.

"Partnering with Richmond Parks and Recreation just makes good sense for Reid Health Community Benefit," said Angela Cline, Director of Community Benefit. "With funding for programming, they're able to help us provide opportunities for physical activity for adults and kids. We're also able to increase access to fresh, local produce, which impacts nutrition and overall health.

"Through this partnership, we will also be able to support family events and activities that provide an opportunity for adults and kids to spend quality time together and really connect, which strengthens families, and in turn, improves the health of our communities."

The bulk of the funding -- $30,000 -- will go toward the Double Dollars Program for the Richmond Farmers Market, which allows those who receive federal SNAP benefits to double their purchasing power at the weekly markets.

"Partnering with Reid in our Double Dollars Program has been essential for the growth of the market for both our vendors and the market-goers," said Denise Retz, Parks Superintendent. "When shoppers spend their SNAP dollars at the market, it not only benefits the local farmer, it benefits the local economy.

"Reid plays a part in this by doubling what shoppers can spend while providing an opportunity for local food access and nutritional security."

"Partnering with Richmond Parks and Recreation just makes good sense for Reid Health Community Benefit. With funding for programming, they're able to help us provide opportunities for physical activity for adults and kids. We're also able to increase access to fresh, local produce, which impacts nutrition and overall health." -- Angela Cline, Director of Reid Health Community Benefit

Other programs receiving funding through the partnership include:

• Industrial Softball League: $5,000 to cover association fees; umpire fees; maintenance; administrative staff fees for organization, registration, and scheduling; and more.
• JUKO: $5,000 for the full-day, organized summer camp experience for kids.
• Get Healthy in the Parks: $4,500 to be split between the Walking Club, fitness classes in the parks, City Bike Park events, and eight organized rides called the Richmond Rose Pedal events.
• Family Series: $1,500 for the Father-Daughter Walk, Mother-Son Walk, Back to School Splash Bash, and Middlefork Family Day.
• Senior Recreation Center: $550 for cooking and Gentle Yoga classes.

"Our partnership with Reid Community Benefit allows us the opportunity to do more and serve more," Retz said. "Our goal is to provide high-quality programming at low or no cost to our community. Without Reid's support, we could not make that happen.

"Reid understands recreation is essential in the development and physical health of our community, and they understand how hard the park team works to provide that for all ages and all abilities."

In addition to grants, Reid Health Community Benefit supports various programs focused on community health, specifically in the areas of mental health and substance misuse, nutrition, physical activity and weight, and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES). To learn more about Reid's commitment to our communities, and the initiatives of Community Benefit, please review the Community Health Needs Assessment and Implementation Plans at reidcommunities.org or reidhealth.org.