Recognition by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation as its Culture of Health Prize winner this year is something of which all in our community can be proud.

The award recognizes not one program but a plethora of efforts being undertaken by a number of groups — private and public — to make our community healthier.

This year’s award winners were announced Tuesday. Vicksburg was one of just eight cities honored from among more than 200 in the running.

The award includes a $25,000 cash prize and membership in a network of other communities who are similarly focused on helping their residents live healthier lives.

We have a number of people to thank for the award, but four members of our community, who came together to form the Vicksburg Live Healthy Action Team, were the driving force behind the effort. At the helm of that group is Linda Fondren, founder of Shape Up Vicksburg. She was joined by Michele Connelly, executive director of United Way of West Central Mississippi; City of Vicksburg grant writer Marcia Weaver; and Jane Flowers, who is the former executive director of the Vicksburg-Warren County Chamber of Commerce.

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation recognized Vicksburg for its downtown revitalization, The Leader in Me program in the Vicksburg-Warren School District, Fondren’s efforts to get residents, particularly African Americans, to walk within the Vicksburg National Military Park and the community garden.

“This award is the culmination of our entire community working together and collaborating to ensure that all citizens have the opportunity to live healthier lives,” said Mayor George Flaggs Jr. “We have dedicated individuals and organizations in our city who are committed to pursuing ideas that will make Vicksburg a better place to live for everyone. I am truly appreciative of everyone’s efforts on this project.”

Join us in thanking those who are making good things happen in Vicksburg, and spreading word of the good works taking place here around the country.

It’s a job well done, and one that will benefit our community for generations to come.