Healthy Eating | Active Living

What is Healthy Eating | Active Living?

We believe an increase in access to healthy foods and an increase in active living will improve the health and wellness of the people and communities of Spartanburg County.

Healthy Eating

Healthy Eating refers to the availability and affordability of fresh healthy foods in communities, schools, workplaces, and places of worship, regardless of income and geographic location.

Active Living

Active Living refers to a way of life that integrates physical activity into daily routines. In addition to recreational exercise, active living includes moderate forms of activity such as walking or bicycling for transportation, taking the stairs, or working in the yard.

Poor eating choices and  lack of exercise are primary risk factors for heart disease, stroke, diabetes, obesity, certain cancers, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and osteoporosis. They are also associated with depression, isolation, and mental illness.

Efforts to increase the availability and affordability of fresh, healthy foods will include: (1) addressing the underlying causes – i.e. food desert mitigation strategies, (2) reducing barriers to making healthy eating decisions, and (3) encouraging connections between existing infrastructure, such as farms and schools, to help create better community access to healthy foods.

Improving the health and wellness of Spartanburg County through increased physical activity will require efforts that: (1) remove barriers to engaging in physical activity, (2) create more opportunities for active transportation and physical activity, and (3) encourage the use of existing active transportation infrastructure and  physical activity resources.

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Community Initiatives

Access to Healthy Foods

Research shows that communities of color live in census tracts with no or low access to healthy retail food stores at higher rates than whites. There are various groups working to increase access to affordable, healthy foods through a variety of efforts.

  • FoodShare Spartanburg: FoodShare SC expanded to Spartanburg in 2018 and operates out of the Ruth’s Gleanings. FoodShare uses a community-based approach that provides bi-weekly subsidized healthy food boxes to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients. SNAP households receive subsidies through the SC Healthy Bucks Program.
  • Hub City Farmers’ Market (HCFM) and their SNAP Program: HCFM is committed to increasing the supply, demand, and access to healthy, local food in Spartanburg County. They operate a weekly farmers’ market at Northside Harvest Park and have become a statewide leader in connecting local farmers with SNAP recipients. HCFM also operates a Mobile Market that takes food to communities throughout the County, including several food deserts.
  • Northside Development Group (NDG): NDG encourages and manages the redevelopment of the City of Spartanburg’s Northside community, honoring its past and expanding the economic, educational, recreational, health, and social opportunities for its residents. Through the efforts of NDG and the Spartanburg community, the weekly farmers’ market is now hosted in the community at Northside Harvest Park. Additionally, Monarch Café and Grocery Food Store provides other healthy food retail opportunities for residents throughout the week in what was previously considered a food desert.
  • South Carolina Community Loan Fund: The nonprofit organization transforms and revitalizes communities throughout South Carolina by financing a variety of projects including those that provide access to food.

Community Design

Our quality of life and opportunities to be physically active are tied to our community design. Connected and well-planned communities allow people to not only reach their destinations by car but also to walk or bike. Play. Advocate. Live Well., in partnership with local municipalities and design firms, is leading efforts in Spartanburg to advance active living opportunities.

Healthy Kids

For the past eight years, through a partnership between the SC Department of Health and Environment Control (DHEC), all seven Spartanburg County School Districts, and Partners for Active Living, all 1st, 3rd, and 5th grade students in Spartanburg County have been measured to determine county-wide Body Mass Index numbers. The 2017 numbers show that 33.2% of children measured were overweight or obese; however, this percentage is even higher in children from low-socioeconomic households and among African American and Hispanic children. Below are initiatives and groups working to reverse these disparities.

  • Healthy Schools Initiative: A four-year (2016-2020) initiative that includes nine schools throughout Spartanburg County. The schools participate in the Alliance for a Healthier Generation Healthy Schools Program while receiving technical assistance from the Alliance and Partners for Active Living as well as funds to implement changes. The goal of the initiative is to help the schools create healthier environments, resulting in reduced Body Mass Index (BMI) numbers and improved academic scores.
  • Preventing Obesity by Design: An initiative of NC State, Preventing Obesity by Design creates outdoor environments to support physical activity and healthy eating of young children attending early learning centers. Through a partnership between SC Department of Health and Environmental Control, SC Department of Social Services and Partners for Active Living, there are five early learning centers in Spartanburg County that are in the process of transforming their outdoor spaces.
  • SPARK PE: The Mary Black Foundation has partnered with all seven Spartanburg County school districts to train PE teachers in every elementary and middle school in an evidence-based PE curriculum, SPARK PE.  In addition, the Foundation selected four outstanding PE teachers to become local SPARK PE Trainers. The Foundation supports ongoing learning and excellence among our PE teachers.
  • Wholespire: In 2016, the Spartanburg Childhood Obesity Taskforce transitioned into a local coalition of the statewide organization, Wholespire. Since 2007, Wholespire has provided communities with proven and sustainable approaches that lead to increased access to healthy choices for ALL people.

Trails & Greenways

Play. Advocate. Live Well. (PAL) has been the lead organization to implement the Spartanburg County Trails Master Plan, which will result in 32 miles of continuous trail. Other partners involved in this work include the City of Spartanburg, SPACE, Palmetto Conservation Foundation, Tyger River Foundation, Spartanburg County, and local business and community leaders.

Recent Grants

2023

Organization Amount Paid as of September 25, 2023 | Description
Brothers Restoring Urban Hope $10,000 to support the Sports and Mentoring Program.
Girls on the Run $20,000 to continue to support GOTR’s program scholarships to girls who reside within MBF priority zip codes.
Hatcher Gardens $13,000 to support needed maintenance to the Garden’s trail.
Hub City Roots $20,000 for general operating support.
Spartanburg Area Conservancy $15,000 to make necessary improvements to and expand the current Glendale Shoals trail and also connect with The Dan trail.

2022

Organization Amount Paid as of December 31, 2022 / Description
Ballet Spartanburg $3,910 to support West African dance classes that are free to the community.
Cancer Association of Spartanburg and Cherokee Counties $5,000 to distribute healthy food to its clients through FoodShare Boxes in partnership with Ruth’s Gleanings.
Forest Park Neighborhood Association $5,000 to support the Express Lane AAU Jr. Olympic Track and Field Team.
Girls on the Run Upstate SC $12,000 for the last year of a two-year grant to support the participation of at least 90 girls in the evidence-based afterschool program.
Hub City Farmers’ Market $95,000 for the second year of a three-year general operating support grant to increase access to affordable, healthy foods through a local market, a mobile market, and SNAP outreach.
PAL – Play. Advocate. Live Well $39,500 for the second year of a three-year grant to lead the planning, implementation, and technical assistance for Phase II of the Spartanburg Healthy Schools Initiative.  $266,000 in general operating to support efforts to decrease childhood obesity, increase access to trails and parks, and ensure safe access to walking and biking for everyone. $366,666 for the fourth year of a five-year grant to support “The Dan,” Spartanburg’s Urban Trail System.
Ruth’s Gleanings $100,000 for the first year of a two-year grant to support general operating expenses related to the Gleanings program and FoodShare, a fresh food box program.
Spartanburg County Foundation $3,000 to support Leadership Spartanburg in creating an outdoor garden and learning space at Mary H. Wright Elementary and Carver Middle Schools.
The Alliance for a Healthier Generation $21,750 for the second year of a three-year grant to implement the Healthy Schools Program and Resilience in School Environments (RISE) Index as part of Phase II of the Spartanburg Healthy Schools Initiative.
The Cleveland Opportunity Foundation $1,000 to support the Cleveland Tiger Fun Run.
United Way of the Piedmont $99,125 for the second year of a three-year grant to support two Community Health and Resource Coordinator positions for Phase II of the Spartanburg Healthy Schools Initiative.
Upstate Family Resource Center $7,838 to support the Spartanburg Healthy Schools Initiative Phase II.
Upstate Forever $25,000 to develop a master plan for the Tyger River Confluence Park and Blueway Project.

2021

Organization Amount Paid as of December 31, 2021/ Description
Ballet Spartanburg $1,680 to support West African dance classes that are free to the community.
Girls on the Run Upstate SC $15,000 for the first year of a two-year grant to support the participation of at least 90 girls in the evidence-based afterschool program.
Hub City Farmers’ Market $2,000 to build fundraising capacity through participation in Network for Good’s Jumpstart program.

$105,000 for the first year of a three-year general operating support grant to increase access to affordable, healthy foods through a local market, a mobile market, and SNAP outreach.
PAL – Play. Advocate. Live Well $97,830 for the first year of a three-year grant to lead the planning, implementation, and technical assistance for Phase II of the Spartanburg Healthy Schools Initiative.

$116,667 for the third year of a five-year grant to support “The Dan,” Spartanburg’s Urban Trail System.

$150,000 to support efforts to decrease childhood obesity, increase access to trails and parks, and ensure safe access to walking and biking for everyone.
Ruth’s Gleanings $100,000 for the last year of a two-year grant to increase healthy food access by rescuing excess fresh produce from local farms and placing it in food pantries, soup kitchens, and mission homes throughout Spartanburg County.
Spartanburg Housing $2,500 to support youth from Spartanburg Housing in attending the Youth Education and Basketball Conference in Tuskegee, Alabama.
The Alliance for a Healthier Generation $43,500 for the first year of a three-year grant to implement the Healthy Schools Program and Resilience in School Environments (RISE) Index as part of Phase II of the Spartanburg Healthy Schools Initiative.
YMCA of Greater Spartanburg $15,000 to further enhance positive youth development programming through a playground and indoor climbing wall.
United Way of the Piedmont $56,785 for the first year of a three-year grant to support two Community Health and Resource Coordinator positions for Phase II of the Spartanburg Healthy Schools Initiative.

2020

 

Organization Amount Paid as of December 31, 2020/ Description
Girls on the Run $10,000 for the final year of a three-year grant to give girls access to quality afterschool youth development programming.
Hatcher Garden & Woodland Preserve $25,940 for the construction of two structures that will provide educational and fitness activities for all abilities and ages.
Healthy Schools Initiative $12,000 to the following nine schools ($1,500 per school) for the third year of a four-year grant to participate in the Healthy Schools Initiative:

  • Arcadia Elementary School
  • Boiling Springs Intermediate School
  • Campobello Gramling School
  • Lone Oak Elementary School
  • Oakland Elementary School
  • P. Earle Elementary School
  • P. Dawkins Middle School
  • Woodland Heights Elementary School
Hub City Farmer’s Market $107,430 to support efforts to increase access to affordable, healthy foods through a local market, a mobile market, and SNAP outreach.
Partners for Active Living $157,250 to support efforts to decrease childhood obesity, increase access to trails and parks, and ensure safe access to walking and biking for everyone and to sponsor the 2020 Criterium.

$266,667 for the second year of a four-year grant to support “The Dan,” Spartanburg’s Urban Trail System.

$40,000 to build upon the work established through the Spartanburg Healthy Schools Initiative and plan for the next phase of the work to launch in 2021, which they will coordinate.
Ruth’s Gleanings $100,000 for the first year of a two-year grant to increase healthy food access by rescuing excess fresh produce from local farms and placing it in food pantries, soup kitchens, and mission homes throughout Spartanburg County.
Spartanburg Housing $15,000 to support participation in the planning of the Spartanburg Healthy School Initiative Phase Two.
Spartanburg Youth Soccer Club $20,000 to launch the “Live Your Dream” program that will offer fully-subsidized recreation soccer training for players between the ages of 5 and 8.
The Alliance for a Healthier Generation $15,000 to plan for the next phase of the Spartanburg Healthy Schools Initiative, with a goal to expand and deepen the impact for communities beginning in 2021.
Upstate Family Resource Center $15,000 to support participation in the planning of the Spartanburg Healthy Schools Initiative Phase Two.
YMCA of Greater Spartanburg $22,500 to provide scholarships that would make its summer camps more affordable for children who might not otherwise be able to attend.

2019

Organization Amount Paid as of December 31, 2019/ Description
Alliance for a Healthier Generation $16,000 for technical assistance support to the nine schools participating in the Healthy Schools Initiative.
Ballet Guild of Spartanburg $2,000 to support the Community Project West African Dance.
Girls on the Run of Spartanburg $15,000 for the second year of a three-year grant to enable girls to have access to quality afterschool youth development programming
Healthy Schools Initiative $12,000 to the following nine schools ($1,500 per school) for the third year of a four-year grant to participate in the Healthy Schools Initiative:

  • Arcadia Elementary School
  • Boiling Springs Intermediate School
  • Campobello Gramling School
  • Lone Oak Elementary School
  • Oakland Elementary School
  • O.P. Earle Elementary School
  • R.P. Dawkins Middle School
  • Woodland Heights Elementary School
Hub City Farmer’s Market $87,650 to support efforts to access affordable healthy foods through a local market, mobile market, and SNAP outreach.

$600 for professional developmental at a national Farmers’ Market Conference.
Partners for Active Living $182,250 to support efforts to decrease childhood obesity, increase access to trails and parks, and ensure safe access to walking and biking for everyone.

$200,000 for the first year of a four year grant to support the Urban Trails System.

$32,500 to provide technical assistance and evaluation for the Healthy Schools Initiative.
Pineview Hills Neighborhood Association $70,100 to re-build their community playground
Spartanburg School District 7 $124,625 to fund a walking path at the new Spartanburg High School. The outdoor space is being created to serve multiple uses for students, staff, and the community.
Spartanburg Urban Mission CDC $15,000 for the second year of a two-year grant to pilot the FoodShare SC program in Spartanburg County.
Town of Duncan $48,000 to fund a Recreation Coordinator Position and a community garden.
Upstate Family Resource Center $7,500 to support the Latinx Community Health Needs Assessment

2018

Organization Amount Paid / Description
Alliance for a Healthier Generation $16,000 for technical assistance support to the nine schools particpating in the Spartanburg Healthy Schools Initiative.
City of Inman $63,000 to install outdoor exercise equipment as part of the city’s Leroy C. Mathis Park renovations project.
Girls on the Run Spartanburg $20,000 for the first year of a three-year grant to enable girls to have access to quality after-school youth development programming.
Healthy Schools Initiative $351,000 to nine local schools ($39,000 per school) for the third year of a four-year grant to participate in the Healthy Schools Initiative.
Hub City Farmers’ Market $92,100 to support efforts to access affordable healthy foods through a local market, mobile market, and SNAP outreach.
Northside Development Group $1,350 to support scholarships for the Butterfly Foundation’s Monarch Jr’s kids cooking class.
Partners for Active Living $157,250 to support efforts to decrease childhood obesity, increase access to trails and parks, and ensure safe access to walking and biking for everyone.
$32,500 to provide technical assistance and evaluation for the Healthy Schools Initiative.
$2,500 for Bikes for Tykes, an effort to provide bikes to students at Meeting Street Academy.
Spartanburg Methodist College $8,600 to support the Get Fit, Be Active Pilot Project, that will provide opportunities for physical activity for students on campus.
Spartanburg Urban Mission $15,000 to pilot the FoodShare SC program in Spartanburg County.
Town of Lyman $100,000 to build an all-inclusive playground accessible to children with and without disabilities.

2017

Organization Amount Paid / Description
Eat Smart Move More South Carolina $7,800 to train young people in the City of Spartanburg’s Parks and Recreation program to implement healthy eating and active living campaigns.
Hub City Farmers’ Market $89,032 to support efforts to increase access to affordable, healthy foods.

$92,100 to support efforts to increase access to affordable, healthy foods through a local market, a mobile market, and SNAP outreach.
Partners for Active Living $147,500 to support efforts to increase active living opportunities throughout Spartanburg County.

$157,250 to support general operating expenses leading to improved places, programs, policies, and partnerships that encourage active living.
Spartanburg Community College Foundation $76,860 to implement infrastructure changes on campus to support the new Sustainable Agriculture program.
Spartanburg County School District Six $35,500 to purchase 45 hydroponic towers and a FarmBot to be used at the District Six greenhouse.
Town of Lyman $100,000 to build an all-inclusive playground accessible to children with and without disabilities.
Upstate Forever $50,075 to build the capacity of community members and elected officials to transform built-environments in Spartanburg County.

Measuring Progress

Measuring progress means monitoring and assessing the efforts of individual grantees and, more importantly, it means tracking progress toward broader community-level outcomes.  The ability to measure progress not only demonstrates our collective contribution toward improved health and wellness in Spartanburg County, it allows the Foundation’s staff and Board of Trustees to reflect on and improve upon our grantmaking and the impact of our investments.

Before we could measure progress, we had to know where we were headed and how we would get there.  In 2014, the Foundation formed a committee, comprised of staff, members of the Board of Trustees, and community partners and grantees, to develop a logic model to guide our grantmaking.  The HE|AL logic model graphically displays the short, intermediate, and long-term outcomes that we seek to accomplish. Additionally, we have developed indicators of success for each of the short-term outcomes.  The accompanying theory of change explains the rationale and assumptions that guided the development of the logic model. In 2018, the Foundation’s Board of Trustees adopted a Health Equity Framework to guide the work of the Foundation. The HE|AL and ECD logic models were subsequently updated to reflect a Health Equity lens.

Click here to view the Healthy Eating | Active Living Logic Model