This month, the Walmart Foundation donated $2.5 million to NRPA who will administer the money to 15 different local park and recreation agencies. This marks the fifth consecutive year in which Walmart has donated to NRPA through their grants program, with each contribution ranging between $1.5 and $2.5 million.

Walmart provides these funds to improve access to healthier food and strengthen the community in local areas. NRPA's statement on the donation explained that the funds "will provide field work to implement community nutrition hubs to help expand access to healthy foods and nutrition education through the power of parks and recreation."

The agencies that will receive the funding are:

Asheville Parks and Recreation, North Carolina

 
Chicago Park District, Illinois
City of Bloomington, Indiana-Parks and Recreation, Indiana
City of Kerman, California
City of Little Rock, Arkansas
City of Ozark-Ozark Leisure Services, Alabama
City of Salt Lake (Salt Lake City Corporation), Utah
Grow Appalachia, Kentucky
Houston Parks and Recreation Department, Texas
Indianapolis Parks Foundation, Indiana
Integral Youth Services, Oregon
Montrose Recreation District, Colorado
New London Recreation Department, Connecticut
Town of Vivian, Louisiana
West Allis-West Milwaukee Recreation and Community Services, Wisconsin

NRPA CEO and president, Kristine Stratton, spoke on behalf of the association as she discussed this opportunity. She articulated that, "NRPA is pleased to award these agencies with funding to increase access to healthy foods, social services, and physical activity through innovative park and recreation programs that improve and save lives. Park and recreation agencies everywhere play an integral role in the health and well-being of our communities, and as their champion, we are proud to help strengthen their work through the programs and services we offer."

Their efforts are an essential part of NRPA's broader goal of having parks and recreation services act as community wellness hubs that promote access to vital health services, including youth sports offerings, fitness classes, and after school programs. Furthermore, the hubs help people access nutrition, education, health care, and many other services that directly influence health outcomes. The hubs come in many different forms, including farmer's markets and community gardens and centers for enrollment assistance, chronic disease management, and health literacy programming.