The Healthiest State Initiative announced today that Hy-Vee Inc. has pledged to donate $300,000 over the next three years to support the not-for-profit organization, whose goal is to make Iowa the healthiest state in the nation. The funds will help the organization at a crucial time in its mission, according to Doug Reichardt, vice president of the Healthiest State Initiative board of directors. The organization’s plans for this year include the implementation of a well-being assessment and certification program for workplaces, schools and communities, as well as the launch of work-group programs designed to drive Iowa’s ranking higher in the Gallup/Healthways Well-Being Index. Hy-Vee’s grant will help support operational and program expenses of the initiative. Iowa currently is ranked 10th in the nation in the Well-Being Index, up from 19th when the initiative began in 2011.