Since 2015, Move Bunkie Forward has worked to create a healthier community through increased physical activity, access to nutritional education, and healthier food options.
Community Gardens (left) provide activity and nutrition for all ages.
Move Bunkie Forward is a three-year project funded through a Healthy Behaviors Program Grant from The Rapides Foundation. Our four main goals are:
1) To create a community partnership to encourage physical activity, healthy eating, and tobacco-free policies.
2) Increase physical activity opportunities and active places for the residents of Bunkie and the surrounding area.
3) To establish and sustain an environment supportive of healthy eating.
4) To create and sustain a tobacco-free community.
More About The Grant
Move Bunkie Forward recognizes that good health extends beyond doctor’s office and hospitals. Since 2015, we have worked hard to create a healthier community through increased physical activity, access to nutritional education, and healthier food options in a tobacco free environment. These efforts have had a positive influence on the citizens of Bunkie and remain the core value of Move Bunkie Forward. With this new and expanded version, we will continue to develop new activities and educational programs to a broader sector of community residents with strong partnerships with faith-based and elementary schools. Options like our “Main Street Walking,” “Youth Power Hour,” community gardens, and our continued physical and educational classes are essential to the war on obesity and the growing tobacco epidemic in our youth.
Our Partners
City of Bunkie
The City of Bunkie is a committed partner to Move Bunkie Forward and has pledged the use of its equipment and manpower to support the programs. The City of Bunkie also provides a community exercise and events room.
Bunkie Chamber of Commerce
The Bunkie Chamber of Commerce is comprised of 75 plus local businesses and community members who are taking the lead to create a desirable environment of businesses, build economic awareness, and develop community service to grow local small businesses throughout our community. The Bunkie Chamber of Commerce provides office space for our coordinator and assistance with financial preparation.
Good Food Project
The Good Food Project is a model community garden network that feeds, educates, and connects the Cenla Food Bank clients and the community with empowering people to achieve better health through sustainable, organic gardening and access to nutritious foods. They are committed to providing technical assistance, resources, and guidance with existing and new community gardens.
Bunkie General Hospital
A rural hospital, now its 50th year of operation, is a rural non-profit critical access hospital. BGH has been a strong support of community prevention programs and continues to provide prevention, education, and screenings for programs and events.
Lyon’s Grocery
Lyon’s Grocery has partnered with Move Bunkie Forward for several years. Providing space for a community nutritional educational table centrally located in their store. Lyon’s Grocery provides fresh fruits and vegetables to the community, while also stocking numerous healthy choice options.
About Bunkie, Louisiana
Small town living at its best
Bunkie sits in the center of Louisiana. Located in Avoyelles Parish, Bunkie is a rural community, where agriculture is the leading industry. Located just 30 minutes south of Alexandria, Bunkie is home to roughly 4,000 individuals.
City of Bunkie & Move Bunkie Forward
Over 30 community educational learning sessions
Over 45 volunteers’ hours and have harvested 15 crops
Over 4000 community visits to free weekly physical activity classes
Added an new outside adult physical fitness area and equipment
Awarded (2018) one of thirteen in the nation - Healthy Partners Technical Assistance Program through the US EPA
Assisting store owners on Main Street revitalization project to promote healthy living areas