"Be Well" with Summer Meals

Striving to "Be Well," students at Wellington Estates in Arden fed their appetites for nutritious foods and creative expression.

By: Benjamin Rickert, BCS Communications

Striving to "Be Well," students at Wellington Community Estates in Arden fed their appetites for nutritious foods and creative expression. When LEAF Community Arts' Easel Rider mobile art lab rolled up to the picnic shelter during the Summer Meals lunch time, students had instant access to craft supplies and professional instruction.

“I’m an artist!” exclaimed student John upon the arrival of LEAF's colorful truck.

Wellington serves as a daily distribution site for BCS Nutrition’s no-cost Summer Meals, and every Tuesday, volunteers provide all sorts of additional engaging opportunities for kids. It has quickly become a summer tradition where students and their parents gather to share a new experience together.

John was particularly excited to learn about today’s art activity, and talked about how much fun he had making necklaces at a previous gathering.

"We wanted to make this site a place where students could come to receive nourishment not only for their bodies, but their brains, as well,” said Avery’s Creek Elementary Principal Denise Montgomery, whose teachers assisted during this afternoon’s activities.

Before the summer, Montgomery worked with BCS Nutrition to reach out to the community for assistance with her “day camp”-styled vision. Through the Roberson District Parent Advisory board, she connected with Girl Scout liaison Mindy Smith, and PTO volunteers like Laura Gray. Working together with Wellington Estates, and with funding provided by the United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County, they called their partnership “Be Well” (Buncombe Enrichment Wellington Estates Lunch & Learn). Each Tuesday, students engage in memorable group activities involving science, math, sports, animals, art, music, culture, and more.

“I love ensuring that kids have access to opportunities and enrichment,” said Mindy Smith, whose work with Girl Scouts involves schools across Western North Carolina. “Girl Scouts is known for providing programs and content to youth, so I said, ‘Let me bring my resources and volunteers to help with this vision.’”

Montgomery pointed out that Habit 7 (“Sharpen the Saw”) of their school’s Leader in Me character development program is all about caring for and improving oneself. This was exactly what she hoped today’s extra effort accomplished.

“We hope our fun Tuesday activities will entice kids to come enjoy a free lunch! Our goal is to feed 100 children per day at this site before summer is over," she added.

___
View our full photo gallery on Facebook.

Learn more about upcoming Be Well activities through Wellington Estate's Facebook event.

Learn more about LEAF Community Arts' Easel Rider Mobile Art Lab.

DISTRICT

Elementary

Intermediate

Middle

High

Other

Buncombe County Schools