Guthrie Awards Grants to Support Community Health

Guthrie’s Community Benefit Grant Program awarded $8,500 to two projects that focus on improving the health and wellbeing of our community.

$6,000 was granted to the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Steuben County in support of their Veggie Van program. Veggie Vans travel to various locations within Steuben County, offering locally sourced produce from farmers. The Extension also aims to expand their efforts by hosting nutrition classes at Veggie Van sites. This program plays a crucial role in enhancing access to fresh produce for Steuben County residents. 

$2,500 was granted to Southern Finger Lakes Pride in support of its Bloom programs, which focus on providing safe and celebratory spaces for LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies to celebrate the “blooming” of all identities and stories in our community. Bloom programs include support groups for trans and non-binary adults, an after-school program and summer camp for teenagers, as well as social events that bring the community together in celebration of diversity and inclusivity. 

These grants were awarded as part of Guthrie’s Community Benefit Grant Program, which funds projects based on Guthrie’s Community Health Needs Assessment. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) requires non-profit hospitals to complete a community needs assessment (CHNA) every three years. The following areas of need were identified for 2023-2025: mental health and substance use disorders, obesity, and cancer screening and prevention. For more information about Guthrie’s Community Benefit Grant Program, including instructions on how to apply for a grant, visit www.guthrie.org/about-us/community-benefits.