Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation extends support for '��Ƶ on the Move'

Mississippi State’s “��Ƶ on the Move” initiative is receiving a fourth phase grant from the Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation to expand nutrition and exercise programs on campus. The programs also extend to the local community and area schools. (Photo by Russ Houston)

STARKVILLE, Miss.—The Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation continues its support of “��Ƶ on the Move” with a $359,132 grant to further expand nutrition and exercise programs for a healthier culture at ��Ƶ.

Leah Pylate, ��Ƶ director of health promotion and wellness, said the grant will fund a fourth phase of the successful initiative.

“Each year, ��Ƶ on the Move projects have built upon previous accomplishments and expanded in reach and scope,” she said.

Pylate said the new grant will support efforts to enhance nutrition and exercise programs both on campus and in the community and will extend to area schools.

“��Ƶ on the Move continues to demonstrate its leadership by offering innovative and comprehensive wellness programs that are positively impacting the campus and the community,” said Sheila Grogan, executive director of the Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation. “They continue to set an example for other colleges and universities that are implementing and expanding wellness initiatives.”

Previous grants from the Foundation supported construction of the one-mile walking track around Chadwick Lake, which was completed in 2013. Other facets of the program included health assessments for faculty, staff and students; mobile kitchen units; fitness programs; standing desks; summer camps; outdoor fitness equipment; recognition for “Health Heroes” and more.

“The impact of this grant is making a difference on the ��Ƶ campus and our surrounding communities through the many programs and events that have taken place,” Pylate said. “This funding will make a lasting impact on our students and employees into the future.”

The ��Ƶ on the Move initiative at ��Ƶ is in partnership with the Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation. The Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation is committed to supporting Mississippi’s universities and colleges in implementing healthy eating and exercise initiatives that extend from the campus to the local communities and schools. Learn more about the work of the Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation at .

��Ƶ is Mississippi’s leading university, available online at .

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