Charlotte, NC, Nov. 25, 2025 — The American Heart Association, with support from our Live Fierce. Life is Why. Sponsor, Novant Health, is investing in local solutions to improve community health across North Carolina. This year, the Association awarded community sub-grants to innovative programs that expand access to healthy food, provide nutrition education, and create heart-healthy environments, empowering organizations that understand their neighborhoods best to drive lasting change.

These investments are part of a multi-year “Live Fierce. Life is Why.” equitable health initiative focused on improving blood pressure and nutrition among historically under-resourced communities in the Charlotte, Triad and Cape Fear regions.

The initiative provides funding for locally led strategies that drive sustainable policies, systems, and environmental changes to support long-term heart health.

Community awardees include:

Charlotte:

  • Wingate University Paw Provisions Food Market that will expand fresh food storage and launch a Heart-Healthy Market Initiative, including heart health workshops and cooking demonstrations, to support the Pell-grant eligible and underserved student/staff population.

Triad:

  • The Miracle Temple that will expand support of fresh produce, dairy, eggs, lean proteins and whole foods for residents in a local food desert.
  • Una Bendición Centro de Conexión that will increase its ability to serve immigrant and refugee families by purchasing cold storage units to expand access to fresh and frozen produce, lean proteins, dairy, and eggs.

Coastal Region:

  • First Fruit Ministries that will support meal services for individuals experiencing homelessness and food insecurity by providing expanded pantry access in the Cape Fear area.

“The American Heart Association is committed to supporting community-led solutions and advancing equitable health across North Carolina,” says Allison Nelson, vice president of community impact, American Heart Association, Charlotte. “These organizations are removing barriers to healthy food access and improving heart health one neighborhood at a time.”

Learn more about the American Heart Association’s community impact at heart.org/NorthCarolina.

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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, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.   

For media inquiries:

American Heart Association

Megan Reid: megan.reid@heart.org (Triad)
Lynn Grayson: Lynn.Grayson@heart.org (Charlotte)
Dawn Hall: Dawn.Hall@heart.org (Cape Fear Region)