Fun competition teaches BGCMA kids the importance of eating right, staying active, and feeling empowered to live a healthy lifestyle
ATLANTA – Dozens of kids and teens put their culinary skills to the test at Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta’s (BGCMA) Salsa, Salsa event on July 18. Hosted at Greystone Hall in Piedmont Park, the competition was tough, but in the end, expert judges crowned W.W. Woolfolk Boys & Girls Club in Atlanta’s West End the top winner for its salsa dish “Spicy Pineapple and Peach Salsa.” As part of the prize package, this winning salsa will be featured at a local Willy’s restaurant this summer. The At-Promise Club in the city’s Westside community won the “People’s Choice” award this year.
Salsa, Salsa, an annual Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta event, celebrates eating right and staying active and highlights cooking and gardening programs at Clubs across the city. Nineteen Boys & Girls Clubs participated in this year’s event, competing to create the best salsa in the city and learning dance steps from a professional salsa dancer. (PHOTOS: Salsa, Salsa 2018)
Boys & Girls Club staff and partners launched the event several years ago to address the obesity epidemic among youth in our state. In fact, Georgia reports the third highest prevalence of overweight children in the country.
“Many kids, particularly from low-income neighborhoods, do not have access to healthy food and safe places to play,” said Stephanie Reynolds, executive director for the Woolfolk Boys & Girls Club. “Programs like this teach our kids that eating right and staying active can be fun. These programs also increase kids’ self-confidence by promoting discipline, responsibility, and teamwork – skills that can help them for many years to come.”
In preparation for the event, staff and kids at the Woolfolk Boys & Girls Club planted and maintained an expansive garden including tomatoes, cilantro, peppers, onions, and more. They also participated in Club sessions to learn about nutrition, and how to incorporate fresh ingredients into their diet.
“We’re so proud of all of our young chefs who came out to compete this year,” said Missy Dugan, president & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta. “And a huge thank you to all of the partners and supporters that made this happen, including Willy’s Mexicana Grill, HealthMPowers, and all of our expert judges.”
For more information about Salsa, Salsa and ways to support programs that shape healthy lifestyles, visit https://www.bgcma.org/our-impact/health/ and/or www.facebook.com/bgcma .
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta’s mission is to save and change the lives of children and teens, especially those who need us most, by providing a safe, positive and engaging environment and programs that prepare and inspire them to achieve Great Futures. Through 20 Clubs in 10 metro counties, trained and professional staff serve more than 3,300 youth (ages 6-18) daily through programs that support college and career readiness, healthy lifestyles and character and leadership development. BGCMA also oversees Camp Kiwanis, a 160-acre outdoor residence camp. While the cost to effectively serve those who need us most is approximately $5,700 per member, families are asked to pay between $60 and $135 per child each year based on income; and no child is turned away due to inability to pay. For more information, please visit www.bgcma.org .
Media Contacts:
Adrienne Leon
Marketing Manager
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta
404-527-7100
mlazenby@bgcma.org
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