Once every term, the dining hall fills with the scent of waffles, syrup, and fresh whipped cream. Students line up for the buffet of waffles and toppings awaiting them, served by members of Beaver’s Health & Wellness team (who happen to be wearing custom “Dam Good Waffles” aprons). These days–beloved by students and faculty alike–have come to be known as Wellness Waffle Wednesdays.
Wellness Waffle Wednesdays aren’t just an opportunity to enjoy delicious breakfast foods for lunch. Behind the initiative–organized by Beaver’s Health & Wellness team–is an effort to increase visibility for the Health & Wellness team and build relationships with both upper and middle school students.
In the interview below, Director of Wellness, Counseling, and Health Services Rick Wilson shares the intent behind Wellness Waffle Wednesdays and the importance of connecting through food.
How did Wellness Waffle Wednesdays come to be at Beaver?
I came up with the idea of Wellness Waffle Wednesday as a way for every student in the school to have a positive interaction with the counseling team. Three of the four school counselors were new to the school three years ago and I wanted to think of a fun and positive interaction with the students so we could begin to get to know them as we served them waffles during lunch. Kids loved the idea and now we have a Wellness Waffle Wednesday every term.
What do you see as the meaning behind Wellness Waffle Wednesdays? What do you hope students take away from it?
The meaning…well it’s really about building relationships within the community. I have a friend who is a chef and he once told me, “food is love” – I love that sentiment! Humans gather around food as a centerpiece of community and connection. Community and connection are also the centerpieces of positive mental health and wellness.
I want students to view our counseling department from this perspective; love, connection, and community. Those three are vital for a community centered around dignity and wellbeing.
Rick Wilson, Director of Wellness, Counseling, and Health Services
The question everyone wants to know… why Wednesdays?
Tomato Tuesday…nope. Mashed Potato Monday….not so much, Thai Basel Thursday…tasty…but missing something. And Fennel Friday just didn’t hit right. Wellness Waffle Wednesday hits just right…plus….its waffles.
The next Wellness Waffle Wednesday will take place during the spring term. To read more about the work of Beaver’s Health & Wellness team, click here.