Psi Epsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Celebrates Earth Day by Supporting Breast Cancer Survivors

Bowie, Md. - Psi Epsilon Omega Chapter (PEO) of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (AKA) is partnering with Touch4Life, Inc. to address the issue of environmental inequality in minority communities.

“This Earth Day we are demonstrating ways to improve and protect the environment as well as promote equal access to clean air, water, food, and green spaces in minority communities,” said Benita A. Swindell, PEO president. “We hope our members will discover ways to improve and safeguard the environment through our Growing Green initiative.”

In partnership with Touch4Life, Inc., sorority members can make a lasting commitment by signing the Grow One, Give One (GOGO) pledge to harvest produce in their backyard and donate half of their harvest to a woman with metastatic breast cancer. By growing a home garden and donating the harvest from one plant to a person in need, a meaningful difference can be made in someone's life.

"Good nutrition and health are even more important during a breast cancer journey. Healthy eating can provide women with immune support, energy, and antioxidants--all of which may be helpful in fighting breast cancer and managing the side effects of medications,” said Laura Crandon, Touch4Life president and founder. “Our collaboration with PEO helps address the challenge of food insecurity and food deserts in our community, especially for metastatic breast cancer patients.”

Touch4Life is committed to breast health equity. Its mission is to increase the breast health IQ of women of color and underserved communities and eliminate disparities in breast cancer outcomes.

The Growing Green project was formed through Psi Epsilon Omega’s Connection and Social Action Committee in support of AKA’s “Enhance Our Environment” initiative. This effort prioritizes activities that promote sustainable and responsible practices and aims to significantly impact our environment in a positive way.

PEO’s Connection and Social Action Committee is planning several activities to enhance this initiative, including the 1908 Garden Project. Participants tend and plant new crops in a Bowie community garden to help combat food insecurity. The “Great Give Back” composting challenge also allows sorority members to reduce waste and work toward regenerating the environment.