Yearly gathering lets Fayette families Munch, Mingle, Move
An annual event in Fayette County has been teaching families how to stay healthy.
Head Start/Early Head Start of Fayette County is holding its 20th annual Munch, Mingle, Move event on May 21 at the Fayette County Fairgrounds, 132 Pechin Road, Dunbar, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The day is centered around healthy eating, movement and fun, said Head Start Director Ericka Thomas.
“Our families are able to interact with one another, they’re able to munch on a variety of food samplings, and then when they’re moving, it’s all the activities that we have for children and our families,” she said.
This year’s event, “Game On for Healthy Fun,” is built around a board game theme, which should appeal to both kids and adults, Thomas said. The activities will incorporate games like “Clue” and “Hungry Hungry Hippos.”
Families will also take home a swag bag with a card game, search-and-find activity board and the book “Monsters Don’t Eat Broccoli.”
“The parents will be able to read it to their children, or, vice versa, the little ones can read to their parents as well,” Thomas said.
The food samples give kids treats they already enjoy, like cheese and crackers, while also letting them branch out into rice cakes or a basil pesto dip.
“The dip might be new for the little ones, and it might be new for adults, but it’s an opportunity for them to try to see if they like it,” Thomas said.
Around 500 people typically come out for the event, Thomas said. In addition to activities and a healthy lunch, they’ll also be able to meet with local community agencies.
Cornerstone Care will bring its mobile unit to perform dental exams, and local school districts will also be on hand.
“By the time that a child is ready to transition over to kindergarten, they’ve established a relationship two or three years out, because they’ve seen them at the program events yearly,” Thomas said.
Head Start/Early Head Start families are encouraged to RSVP to their instructor or home visitor by Thursday.
Limited transportation is also available for families who do not have a vehicle.
Thomas is looking forward to celebrating the milestone 20th Munch, Mingle, Move with a large crowd of all ages.
“It takes a lot of work, but it’s well worth it, once you see the smiles on the little ones’ faces and also smiles on the adults’ as well,” she said.