Growing A Healthier Future

The Growing a Healthier Future program is an after-school program that is held at the Farmington Community Center, a 501(C)3  non-profit organization. The program is supported in part through grants from Novant Health and the Woodson Foundation, and from recources through the Davie Co Health Dept. and Davie Cooperative Extension. It is designed to encourage kids to try new foods, make healthier choices, and get them back outside by stirring their interest and increase their knowledge about gardening and nature. 

How the program is designed:
-- The program is available throughout the school year.
-- Kids receive a healthy snack when they arrive and  participate in the preparation of the snacks. This will teach them how to prepare nutritious snacks for themselves.
--They spend time in the youth garden learning about growing produce and experience the excitement of seeing seeds grow into beautiful flowers and yummy produce.
During the summer, they are encouraged to return to the garden with their family to work in the garden and collect fruits & vegetables to take home, giving them a boost in their self-esteem while encouraging their families to eat healthier too.
-- Special guest such as; a local Optometrist, Dental Hygienist, Health Dept. Health Educator and others help to teach the kids about taking care of their bodies and to reinforce the need to make healthy choices.
-- Some days, we take time to explore the nature park. Resources through the NC Wild Life Resource Commission is used to teach kids about wildlife habitat and food sources. They learn how to identify birds, how the beaver makes his dam, special plants to keep an eye out for when hiking and much more.
-- When weather does not permit outdoor play, kids will continue to appreciate nature through reading books about nature, creating art projects using natural materials, and free time to run & play in our gym area.
-- For those who have extra homework to do before going home, we allow time for them to work on it once program activities are finished. We encourage them to work outside at the table in the garden or maybe in the hammock under the trees to maximize the time they get to spend outdoors.