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Media Contact:
Courtney Davis
Assistant Director for Public Relations
Prince George’s Community College
daviscl@pgcc.edu
Prince George’s Community College and American Heart Association Announce Latest Efforts to Combat Food Insecurity
College offers free tuition to students enrolled in cooking wellness program
LARGO, Md. (March 4, 2021) – Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) announced today its latest collaborative efforts with the American Heart Association (AHA) designed to combat food insecurity in Prince George’s County and the surrounding region through education, outreach, and policy. The partnership officially kicks off on March 22 with the start of the College’s AHA-approved Healthy Cooking Certificate program. Free tuition is available to students who enroll. Learn more here.
“It was a no-brainer for Prince George’s Community College to partner with the American Heart Association,” said Denise Ware-Jackson, chair of the Department of Wellness, Culinary Arts, and Hospitality. “We are thrilled that our Community Kitchen is officially designated as an American Heart Association Heart Health Hub. Together, we will leverage our combined reach and resources to educate and provide training in helping to build healthier lives.”
According to the Prince George’s County Health Department, the county has a food insecurity rate of 10.3%. While this rate is lower than that of some Maryland and U.S. counties, research increasingly reveals major health inequities within the county. Prince George’s County is one the highest-income-African American-majority counties in the country, and yet, studies show that residents in certain parts of the county grapple with significantly higher rates of diet-related illnesses and food insecurity when compared to the higher-income demographic.
As part of its $230 million sweeping effort to promote equitable health nationwide, the American Heart Association seeks to work alongside Prince George’s Community College to address these discrepancies through a variety of initiatives and ensure basic needs are met for all residents, including low-income families who have faced increased challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are thrilled to work alongside supporters like Prince George’s Community College on solutions aimed at removing barriers that prevent all residents from the same opportunities to lead a healthy life,” said Soula Antoniou, executive director for the American Heart Association, Greater Washington Region. “Through the Heart Health Hub, we will increase awareness of healthy food choices and preparation for residents in need, and over time, forge a more equitable food environment that will result in longer, healthier lives for all.”
In addition to the AHA-approved Healthy Cooking Certificate program, the new partnership will engage the larger community through a series of healthy cooking livestreams, beginning March 6. The cooking show series will promote healthy lifestyles by equipping participants with strategies on how to prepare nutritious meals in their home on a budget.
Learn more and register for the livestream here.
For more information about cooking wellness programs at Prince George’s Community College, click here or contact cookingwellness@pgcc.edu. To learn more about the partnership between Prince George’s Community College and the American Heart Association, contact foundation@pgcc.edu.
About Prince George’s Community College
Named a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance designated by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security (2015-2020), Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) provides high-quality education and training for the progressive and career-oriented residents of Prince George’s County. From new high school graduates and career seekers to more seasoned professionals and senior citizens looking to enhance their skillsets, PGCC is comprised of students who represent a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and goals. Serving nearly 35,000 individuals annually, the College is the first choice for higher education for residents of Prince George’s County. Collaborative partnerships, responsive degree and training programs, and a commitment to student success enables PGCC to address diverse education and workforce development demands.
For more information, visit the college website at www.pgcc.edu. Prince George’s Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104; (267-284-5000); www.msche.org. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health, and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
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