New London — The city's Recreation Department, in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association, has received an $80,000 grant to develop a community nutrition hub to expand access to healthy foods through parks and recreation programs and services.

The gift is part of a $2.5 million grant NRPA received from the Walmart Foundation to build capacity in parks and recreation agencies across the country to serve as nutrition hubs that improve health outcomes for community members.

As one of 15 agencies to receive this grant, the city's Recreation Department is collaborating with the New London Senior Center, FRESH Community Gardens, Thames Valley Council for Community Action, New London Public Schools' Child Nutrition Program and the New London Farmers Market to help increase access to healthy foods, provide connections to social services and increase health literacy for every member of our community.

From after-school programs, “snack garden” beds to farmer market vouchers and more, this grant will allow the Recreation Department to bring essential programs, services and spaces that advance health equity, improve health outcomes and enhance quality of life, according to a news release announcing the program.