Working on Wellness Environments
Working on Wellness Environments (WOW-E) is a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension multidisciplinary community development program

Pilot-testing traffic calming, bike lanes, and crosswalks at Romeo T. Flores Park in Zapata

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After attending the Youth Planning academy held this summer, youth health ambassadors from Zapata County saw the opportunity to make improvements to their local park. Working with the WOW-E team, the youth health ambassadors conducted a basic site inventory and observations. The group was able to pilot-test crosswalks, curb extensions, a bike lane, a protected walking lane, and wayfinding. Youth ambassadors, law enforcement, and local park-goers noticed a change in vehicle speed once the temporary infrastructure was in place. Next, the health youth ambassadors will work with the WOW-E team to create a report to present to the county commissioner’s court.

The health youth ambassadors pilot-test was featured in the Zapata County News.

Rio Grande City Comprehensive Planning Public Meetings

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The Working on Wellness Environments team is working with the City of Rio Grande City and Texas Target Communities to begin its comprehensive planning process. The groups, with the help of the local task force known as team ¡Adelante Rio Grande!, have conducted 3 public meetings with members of the local community to gather input. Citizens highlighted needed improvements in active and healthy infrastructure, pollution, preservation, and more. This is the first of many feedback opportunities that will help guide and create the city’s comprehensive plan. For more information on how we can support your community with healthy planning and engagement, visit wowe.tamu.edu.

The Comprehensive Planning Process was featured in the Rio Review, the City of Rio Grande City’s official newsletter, highlighting what a comprehensive plan is and the phases needed to complete the plan. Click here to read the feature.

Community Heart & Soul Seed Grant

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Apply for a $10,000 Community Heart & Soul Seed Grant.


Make 2022 the year to build a stronger and more vibrant community. Apply today for $10,000 to bring Community Heart & Soul to your town.


Grant funding requires a $10,000 cash match from the participating municipality or a partnering organization.


To learn more and/or apply visit: https://www.communityheartandsoul.org/seed-grants/

America’s Healthy Food Financing Initiative

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The America’s Healthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI) is offering $20,000-$200,000 grant awards. The funding aims to improve access to healthy foods in underserved areas. The Working on Wellness Environments team can provide basic grant writing technical assistance to anyone interested in applying!
There are 2 parts to the application. 

  • First phase: submit a Letter of Interest by Tuesday, December 7, 2021 
  • Second phase: eligible applications submit a full application 

More information is online, including a links to the request for application, eligibility, submitting Letters of Interest online (look for “Apply Now” button), frequently asked questions, and more.

Reinvestment Fund, in its capacity as National Fund Manager for the Healthy Food Financing Initiative at USDA Rural Business-Cooperative Service, requests applications for America’s Healthy Food Financing Initiative Targeted Small Grants Program for 2021. At least $4 million is available for grants for innovative fresh food retail and food system enterprises that seek to improve access to healthy food in underserved areas. Grant awards may be from $20,000 – $200,000. Eligible applicants include for-profit, nonprofit, and cooperatively owned businesses, institutions of higher education, state and local governments and tribal governments. LOI Due: December 7.