The Cullman County Community Development Commission made a check presentation Friday to the North Alabama Agriplex for $12,000.

“Agriculture plays an important role in our local economy and our way of life,” CCCDC Chairman Champ Crocker said. “The North Alabama Agriplex furthers the reach of agriculture in this community, and that’s a positive. We’re glad to support them with this grant.”

Agriplex Director Rachel Dawsey said the money will go toward the Food For Life program, which promotes healthy nutrition.

“We are trying to bridge the gap in the community of agriculture between high hunger and obesity,” Dawsey said. “We use this program to do just that. We are very thankful for this grant and all that it will do for our program.”

Food For Life started in 2014 as a way to bridge the gap between high rates of obesity, poverty, and food insecurity. The program promotes healthy eating and local food choices as well as education programs in Cullman County and the surrounding areas.