| "We must assume personal and social responsibility and accountability so that we again are united with our brothers and sisters everywhere throughout the world. We are all connected. No matter how many miles, oceans, or languages separate us, we are still one". — Jozef Dominguez |
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| Eating SmART |
THE NEED
Sixty-eight per cent of New
Mexico’s children receive free or
reduced-price meals during the
school year through USDA
programs. But during the
summer, when school is out,
156,000 of these children go
hungry. Summer is the
greatest time of need for these
hungry children, yet there
exists a significant food gap in
New Mexico, with far too few
children being provided meals.
Sixty-eight per cent of New
Mexico’s children receive free or
reduced-price meals during the
school year through USDA
programs. But during the
summer, when school is out,
156,000 of these children go
hungry. Summer is the
greatest time of need for these
hungry children, yet there
exists a significant food gap in
New Mexico, with far too few
children being provided meals.
OUR RESPONSE
During the summer of 2007, Sierra Dove designed and implemented a nine-week half-day
camp for children, ages 4-16, called Eating SmART. The program’s goal is to provide
program enhancement through increased opportunities for youth to participate in art,
music, and community gardening, and more hands-on literacy activities. We will also
provide nutritional guidance and “Taste Adventures,” in the form of fresh, whole-food
snacks, to promote healthy food choices. This summer Sierra Dove will be providing services
at two Mescalaro Boys and Girls Club locations.
As a supplement to the grant funding, which is primarily for food items, Sierra Dove
anticipates and will actively seek additional community contributions in the categories of
the clubs needs for sporting /camping Equipment; literacy/book contributions; and
gardening materials, plus volunteer assistance and in-kind donations from other area
agencies and individuals.
Watch for more info about Eating Smart, Summer 2008!
During the summer of 2007, Sierra Dove designed and implemented a nine-week half-day
camp for children, ages 4-16, called Eating SmART. The program’s goal is to provide
program enhancement through increased opportunities for youth to participate in art,
music, and community gardening, and more hands-on literacy activities. We will also
provide nutritional guidance and “Taste Adventures,” in the form of fresh, whole-food
snacks, to promote healthy food choices. This summer Sierra Dove will be providing services
at two Mescalaro Boys and Girls Club locations.
As a supplement to the grant funding, which is primarily for food items, Sierra Dove
anticipates and will actively seek additional community contributions in the categories of
the clubs needs for sporting /camping Equipment; literacy/book contributions; and
gardening materials, plus volunteer assistance and in-kind donations from other area
agencies and individuals.
Watch for more info about Eating Smart, Summer 2008!
| An innovative art and nutrition program to bridge the summer months for New Mexico’s Children |
OUR VISION
Our vision is to extend Eating SmART to many
other areas of the state by the summer of 2008,
providing similar benefits for countless children.
We see the opportunity for other needy children in
our state to:
- Receive healthy food on a regular basis
during the summer months. - Engage in fun, art-related activities that
promote creative self-expression. - Maintain self-esteem and pride while
benefiting from the program’s components.
ART & MUSIC
The children take part in art classes each day, exploring a variety of mediums ranging from
watercolor, tempera and pastel painting to collage, mixed media, sponge printing and
monotype print making.
Daily Music classes include: singing, introduction to rhythm, playing different instruments
such as maracas, drums and keyboard and movement and scarf dancing.
GARDEN PROJECT
We learn about sprouting, plant flower and vegetable seeds, transplant seedlings to a
square-foot garden, and share in the nurturing of plants. Community volunteers
demonstrate organic gardening methods, and help organize and design the garden plots.
The overall goal of the Garden Project is for the children to share in the joy, beauty and
wonder of gardening and learn about nutrition and the plant-to-food connection. The
Garden Project increases environmental awareness and provides opportunities to hone
math, science and language arts skills through activities connected to the planning and
cultivation of a garden. The children also acquire specific life skills through the social
aspects of gardening, such as team building, leadership development and enlisting
community support.
The children take part in art classes each day, exploring a variety of mediums ranging from
watercolor, tempera and pastel painting to collage, mixed media, sponge printing and
monotype print making.
Daily Music classes include: singing, introduction to rhythm, playing different instruments
such as maracas, drums and keyboard and movement and scarf dancing.
GARDEN PROJECT
We learn about sprouting, plant flower and vegetable seeds, transplant seedlings to a
square-foot garden, and share in the nurturing of plants. Community volunteers
demonstrate organic gardening methods, and help organize and design the garden plots.
The overall goal of the Garden Project is for the children to share in the joy, beauty and
wonder of gardening and learn about nutrition and the plant-to-food connection. The
Garden Project increases environmental awareness and provides opportunities to hone
math, science and language arts skills through activities connected to the planning and
cultivation of a garden. The children also acquire specific life skills through the social
aspects of gardening, such as team building, leadership development and enlisting
community support.
A CARING COMMUNITY
In order to create a richer summer
experience for the children, Sierra
Dove joins hands with many civic-
minded groups and individuals. In our
pilot program in Ruidoso Downs,
Eating SmART was greatly enhanced
by volunteer efforts and contributions
from:
In order to create a richer summer
experience for the children, Sierra
Dove joins hands with many civic-
minded groups and individuals. In our
pilot program in Ruidoso Downs,
Eating SmART was greatly enhanced
by volunteer efforts and contributions
from:
- Big Brothers/Big Sisters
- NMSU’s ICAN Program
- The Hubbard Museum
- The Ruidoso Rotary Club
- The DWI Prevention Council
- The Evening Lions Club
- The Optimists Club
- The Ruidoso Garden Club
- The Wild Herb Market
- Conley’s Nursery
- Wal-mart
- The Red Hatters
- Eco Servants
- Other area volunteers who lent
their generous support.
| Summer is a hungry time for New Mexico children Our 2007 pilot program demonstrated the compassionate and generous nature of New Mexicans. By joining our resources, we have the capacity to make a serious impact in alleviating hunger in our state. |
| Contact us for more information on Eating Smart (click here) |
