Fresh carrots. Photo via Pixabay

A local non profit is being recognized by the White House for its work promoting healthy foods.

Fresno Metro Ministry, a multicultural, multi-faith, cross-sector community organization in Fresno, was selected to be part of the White House Challenge to End Hunger and Build Healthy Communities and is partnering with Fresno Unified and other organizations during the initial phase.

About 1,000 students at 12 campuses, including Muir Elementary School, are learning how to grow and cook their own healthy food, and even how to sell their own produce at farmers markets.

Students are also learning about the food ecosystem and about health disparities within communities because of food insecurity.

Fresno Metro Ministry has a 50+ year of community action, facilitating partnerships among communities, businesses, and institutions to increase resilience, health, and prosperity in the Valley.

Fresno Metro Ministry, one of the 141 stakeholders chosen nationwide by the White House, was selected for its Healthy Food Solutions Partnership Program.

The program brings togther local government, businesses, community organizations, and school districts to develop leadership and advocacy skills in young people for a healthier future.

Fresno Metro Ministry is providing cooking and gardening classes to students across several Fresno Unified schools.

“We’re thrilled that our commitment was selected by the White House, but even more excited about what that means for our community in terms of creating generational change that positively impacts health disparities and food insecurity and also the potential funding support to bring our Healthy Food Solutions Partnership Program to fruition,” says Emogene Nelson, executive director of Fresno Metro Ministry.

There will be a press conference on April 5 at 11 am at Muir Elementary School in Fresno with speakers including Nelson,, Fresno Unified Deputy Superintendent Misty Her, board of education members and students who participated in the program.