Contact: Allison Matthews

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

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

“Each year, MSU 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.

“MSU 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 MSU 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 MSU on the Move initiative at Mississippi State University 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 www.healthiermississippi.org.

MSU is Mississippi’s leading university, available online at www.msstate.edu.