FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) -- A City of Fort Wayne program aimed at tackling childhood obesity recently received national recognition through an award and a $250,000 grant. The U.S. Conference of Mayors, American Beverage and the American Beverage Foundation for a Healthy America (ABFHA) announced that Fort Wayne Mayor Sharon Tucker and the city's "Plant, Pick & Plate Program" were one of three first place winners of the 2025 Childhood Obesity Prevention & Environmental Health & Sustainability Awards. The "Plant, Pick & Plate Program" teaches children in southeast Fort Wayne hands-on gardening and cooking skills through monthly classes. The course is designed to build confidence, promote healthy eating habits and strengthen community connections. "Mayors know their city best. That's why America's beverage companies are proud to partner with the U.S. Conference of Mayors to help drive community-based solutions that directly address today's most pressing challenges," said Kevin Keane, president and CEO of American Beverage and president of the ABFHA board of directors. U.S. Conference of Mayors CEO and Executive Director Tom Cochran said the awards initiative has invested millions of dollars into programs with goals similar to the "Plant, Pick & Plate Program" since 2012. In addition to the City of Fort Wayne, the "Plant, Pick & Plate Program" is also led by four other organizations: SEED Fort Wayne Purdue Fort Wayne Extension Inspired Nutrition Johnnie Mae Farm