Leadership Greer Class 45 Announces "Healthy Kids" Project to Support Youth Nutrition and Local Farmers

Greer, SC – 12/12/24 – Leadership Greer Class 45 is excited to announce the launch of its class project, “Healthy Kids,” a community initiative aimed at promoting healthy eating habits among children in the greater Greer area. This project, in partnership with the Greer Farmers Market, will provide children with greater access to fresh, locally grown produce and create a fun, educational environment that encourages them to try and enjoy fruits and vegetables.

"The Greer Farmers Market is honored to be chosen for Leadership Greer Class 45's project that will initiate our new Healthy Kids Program and are excited to see the positive impact that this program will have on our youth and our farms in the Upstate,” said Maggie Blair, Executive Director of the Greer Farmers Market.

The project fosters healthy habits among children but also supports the local farming community in a meaningful way.

“We believe that by promoting healthy eating habits among the next generation, we are investing in a healthier, more vibrant future for the entire Greer community,” said Dustin Merritt, President of Leadership Greer Class 45. “The Healthy Kids program benefits not only the children it serves but also supports local farmers who dedicate themselves to providing fresh, nutritious produce for our community."

Healthy Kids Project Overview: The "Healthy Kids" program makes healthy eating fun and accessible for local youth. Children receive vouchers to redeem for fresh, seasonal produce at any of the 27 participating Greer Farmers Market locations throughout the market year. At the market booth, kids can sample produce to explore new flavors before deciding what to buy.

​A designated "Healthy Kids" tent and signage at each market serve as hubs for voucher distribution and interactive lessons on food and gardening. Hands-on activities encourage kids to continue learning about healthy eating and growing food at home.

Building a Healthier Community: "Healthy Kids" not only promotes nutrition but also supports local farmers. Each redeemed voucher boosts sales, strengthening the local agricultural economy. The program complements other market food access initiatives, like SNAP and Healthy Bucks, expanding awareness and access to nutritious food for families in the community.

The project is set to launch at the start of the Greer Farmers Market's upcoming season, and Leadership Greer Class 45 invites families across the area to participate, enjoy, and benefit from this unique opportunity.

For more information on Leadership Greer Class 45’s “Healthy Kids” project, please contact [email protected] or call (864)877 -3131.

​About Greater Greer Chamber of Commerce:
The Greater Greer Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to promoting economic development and improving the quality of life in the Greater Greer area. Through advocacy, events, and programs, the Chamber supports local businesses and fosters a vibrant community.

What is Greenville County’s Penny Sales Tax referendum?
The referendum would fund road improvements to resolve Greenville County’s transportation challenge. If approved, the tax lasts for 8 years, with the intention of raising an estimated $130 million per year. By law, all money raised with the Greenville County's Penny Sales Tax will go to local road and bridge improvements and repairs. The Penny Sales Tax would not include unprepared food, prescriptions, or gas.

Why is a Penny Sales Tax included on the November 2024 ballot?
​Greenville County faces a transportation challenge because of the inadequate condition and capacity of its present road network, which if left unresolved may not bode well for the future of a growing community. During a countywide infrastructure inventory and assessment, it was found that 60% of pavement in Greenville County is in fair or poor condition, that 75% of pavement on arterial (major streets of highest mobility & speed) and collector (corridors between arterial streets) roads is in fair or poor condition, and 15% of state and county owned bridges in Greenville County are restricted or closed. It was concluded $2 billion was required to resolve this transportation challenge, therefore after much process the county council voted “yes” to put the 1 cent sales tax on the November 2024 ballot. 

How are the priority projects decided on and by whom are they decided?
Greenville County staff collaborated with SCDOT, mayors, and administrators of six municipalities to prioritize projects for the Penny Sales Tax. A six-member commission, including Ray Lattimore, Hunter Howard, Gaye Garrison Sprague, Keith Smith, Thomas Epting, and Lisa H. Stevens reviewed and amended the list. The list which is now of part of official ordinance cannot and will not change. Projects focus on road improvement, intersection upgrades, safety, congestion relief, and bridge/road drainage.

What roads in Greer are on the priority list?
The mentioned projects will affect various roads in the Greer area including Devenger Road from Hudson Road to South Batesville Road, Groce Meadow Road from Milford Church Road to Mountain View Road, Memorial Drive Extension from Whitfield Way to West Poinsett Street, Arlington Avenue and North Line Street, Gibbs Shoals Road and Dillard Road, Locust Hill Road, Lynn Road, Waters Road, Milford Church Road and SC 101.

How will the question on the ballot read & where do I learn more?
The exact question to look for on the ballot is, “Must a special one percent sales and use tax be imposed in Greenville County for not more than 8 years to raise the amounts specified for the following purposes?” To learn more before the November 5th 2024 vote you can visit greenvillecountyroads.com.

Click Here to download the Referendum FAQ sheet.