As the new year unfolds, many individuals are setting resolutions to improve their health and well-being. In Savannah, Georgia, a dedicated organization, Healthy Savannah, is working tirelessly to ensure that residents have the resources and support they need to make lasting lifestyle changes. This non-profit champions health equity, striving to make healthy choices easy choices for everyone, regardless of their income, neighborhood, race, age, or ability.
A Mission Rooted in Health Equity
Founded in 2007 by former Savannah Mayor Otis Johnson, Healthy Savannah began as an initiative to improve the overall health of the city’s residents. Over the years, it has evolved into a robust coalition of over 200 community partners. The organization’s mission is to lead and support a culture of health in the Savannah area by creating an environment where healthy options are readily accessible. This involves promoting equitable opportunities for residents to engage in physical activity and consume nutritious, balanced diets through policy, systems, and environmental changes.
Tackling Health Disparities
Healthy Savannah focuses on addressing health disparities that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, particularly low-wealth and low-mobility Black and Brown communities. These disparities often stem from a lack of access to healthy food options, safe places for physical activity, and vital resources needed to support healthy living. By targeting these upstream determinants of health, Healthy Savannah seeks to create sustainable interventions that positively impact the structures where people live, learn, work, and play.
Key Initiatives and Programs
Healthy Savannah implements a variety of initiatives and programs aimed at fostering a healthier community. These programs are designed to address specific challenges and create tangible improvements in the lives of Savannah’s residents.
Access to Nutritious Food
One of the primary focus areas for Healthy Savannah is combating nutrition insecurity, which affects over 35,000 people in the city. Many residents live in “food apartheid” areas, where access to grocery stores with fresh produce is limited. In these areas, corner stores often offer only foods high in fat, sugar, and sodium. To counter this, Healthy Savannah has launched the Healthy Corner Store Initiative, partnering with local store owners to bring healthy choices to their shelves. This initiative introduces fresh produce, like collard greens, carrots, broccoli, potatoes, and Georgia-grown peaches, making them more accessible to community members.
Additionally, the organization supports Farm Truck 912, a mobile farmers market that delivers fresh, affordable produce to areas lacking full-service grocery stores. For every $1 participants of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) spend, they get $2 in produce. This helps stretch food budgets and incentivizes the consumption of fresh foods instead of processed options. The Forsyth Farmers’ Market (FFM) is also a key resource, with a majority of residents reporting that they have heard about or used the market, and many regularly purchase healthy foods from it.
Promoting Physical Activity
Healthy Savannah also works to increase opportunities for physical activity by creating safer and more accessible spaces. One key initiative is the Tide to Town urban trail network, a planned 30-mile loop of walking and biking trails that will connect all of Savannah’s neighborhoods. This project aims to remove barriers such as a lack of safe walking routes and public parks that limit recreation, particularly in low-wealth areas. The organization also encourages community members to explore local trails and pathways through weekly guided walks, promoting the benefits of regular physical activity.
Breastfeeding Support and Immunizations
Expanding its focus, Healthy Savannah now also emphasizes breastfeeding and adult immunizations. They aim to create “Breastfeeding Friendly Communities” through advocacy and by providing resources for nursing mothers. Additionally, they promote adult immunizations, especially in relation to chronic diseases such as hypertension, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. These efforts are supported by the Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which has provided substantial funding for these projects.
Community Engagement and Collaboration
Healthy Savannah operates as a social movement, not just a program. They emphasize community buy-in and participation, working closely with residents to identify needs and implement effective solutions. The organization has a strong coalition of partners, including businesses, non-profits, faith-based organizations, schools, healthcare providers, and government agencies. This collaborative approach ensures that the work is rooted in community needs and sustained through diverse perspectives and resources.
Successes and Impact
The efforts of Healthy Savannah have yielded significant results. Community surveys indicate an increased awareness and utilization of community-based solutions that promote healthy food and physical activity. More people are using resources like the Forsyth Farmers’ Market and the Farm Truck 912. Additionally, there is increased awareness of the Tide to Town trail system and other physical activity programs.
The organization has received national recognition for its health equity achievements, including the CDC’s Lark Galloway-Gilliam Award for Advancing Health Equity. This award highlights the organization’s extraordinary contribution to improving health equity. Healthy Savannah’s commitment to policy, systems, and environmental change has also resulted in the adoption of zoning ordinances that promote walkability, access to healthy foods, and more vibrant community spaces.
Empowering the Community
Beyond specific program successes, Healthy Savannah is empowering residents to take control of their health. They provide educational resources, connect people with vital services, and advocate for policies that support health equity. The organization’s work is helping to create a culture of health where healthy choices are easy and accessible for everyone. The HeroHelpMe.com website, a resource developed by Healthy Savannah, compiles over 1,500 free or low-cost services in over 50 categories, connecting people with vital resources.
Looking Ahead
As Healthy Savannah looks to the future, it will continue to foster its relationships with stakeholders and create opportunities for partners to engage with each other. With ongoing funding from the REACH grant and other sources, the organization is well-positioned to expand its reach and impact. They will continue to focus on policy, systems, and environmental change to build a more equitable and healthy Savannah for all. The newly redesigned Savannah Chatham Food Policy Council will play a key role in addressing nutrition security and food systems issues.
How to Get Involved
Individuals interested in supporting Healthy Savannah can get involved in several ways. They can volunteer their time, donate to the organization, or become a community advocate. By working together, residents can help create a healthier and more equitable Savannah for everyone. The organization also offers internship opportunities for those looking to gain experience in community health initiatives.
Healthy Savannah stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of community collaboration in creating meaningful and lasting change. As the new year begins, its work provides invaluable resources and support for those seeking to improve their health and well-being, making the pursuit of a “new you” not just a resolution, but a reality for all Savannah residents.
