News Release: Bob Burdette Center, Inc. Provides Meals to Children During the Summer

Bob Burdette Center, Inc. (the Center) announces its sponsorship of the federally funded Summer Food Service Program. Breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack are open to all children ages 18 years and under who would like to participate. Meals will be served at the following site: The Bob Burdette Center at Emmanuel, 1401 Washington Street West, Charleston, WV 25387. Meals will be provided Monday through Friday, beginning June 4, 2026 and ending August 14, 2026. Breakfast is ... Continue Reading »

Bob Burdette saves 250 pounds of food from rotting in a landfill…

At the Bob Burdette Center, we believe in building a healthier future—not just for the environment, but for our children and our community. That’s why, through our Community Garden project, made possible by a grant from the Pallottine Foundation of Huntington, we’ve embraced composting as a way to reduce waste, enrich the soil, and teach valuable life lessons. To date, our dedicated personnel have contributed over 250 pounds ... Continue Reading »

Family Engagement Night

Bob Burdette Center Hosts First Family Engagement Night: A Night of Togetherness, Cooking, and Community

The Bob Burdette Center recently held its first Family Engagement Night, bringing together students from our free after-school program and their families for an evening of good food, connection, and support. The event was designed as part of the Center’s “Healthy Habits Curriculum” to encourage families to cook at ... Continue Reading »

Notice of Intent

This is to notify you of the Notice of Intent to Apply for the 2026 Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) Grant. Per federal statute, The Bob Burdette Center is required to inform our community and our stakeholders regarding our intent to apply to the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Grant. The Bob Burdette Center provides after school and summer programs for students in grades ... Continue Reading »

The Importance of Biodiversity

According to the American Museum of Natural History, biodiversity (from “biological diversity”) refers to the variety of life on Earth at all its levels, from genes to ecosystems, and can encompass the evolutionary, ecological, and cultural processes that sustain life. Digging in the ground is a great way to learn about biodiversity and the diverse plants and animals that make up our planet. When you dig in the ground, you ... Continue Reading »

Importance of Budgeting for Kids

Budgeting is an important skill that can help kids learn to manage their money and make informed financial decisions. Budgeting is the process of planning and managing your money in order to achieve your financial goals. It involves setting aside money for different expenses and making sure you have enough to cover your needs. Budgeting is important for kids because it helps them learn to live within their means and ... Continue Reading »

Cultivating Community: Reflections on the First Year of the Garden

The Bob Burdette Center‘s community garden is made possible by the Pallottine Foundation of Huntington. Through the support of transformative health initiatives that empower all individuals to lead lives of optimal health, self-reliance, and self-respect, the Pallottine Foundation of Huntington strives to foster systemic change and collaborative impact in our community. As the inaugural year of the Bob Burdette Center’s community garden draws to a close, it is ... Continue Reading »

Growing Minds: Teaching Kids About Gardening and Nutrition

Engaging children in gardening provides a unique opportunity to instill lifelong habits of healthy eating and sustainable living. The Bob Burdette Center‘s efforts focus on making gardening an interactive and educational experience, allowing kids to immerse themselves in every step of the process—from planting tiny seeds in the soil to marveling at the vibrant fruits and vegetables their hard work has produced. These hands-on activities are paired with ... Continue Reading »

Planting for the Seasons: A Fall and Winter Garden Transformation

As summer crops fade and the vibrant greens of the season give way to golden hues, the Bob Burdette Center‘s community garden embarks on a seasonal transformation. The transition marks a time for renewal and preparation, as volunteers come together to clear out the remnants of summer’s abundance. Old plants are removed to make way for fresh beginnings, and the soil is carefully tended to ensure it is ... Continue Reading »

When the Harvest is Shared: Tackling Theft in Community Gardens

The mission of the Bob Burdette Center’s community garden, made possible by the Pallottine Foundation of Huntington, is rooted in generosity and inclusivity, aiming to provide free, fresh produce to those in need. However, the reality of operating an open-access garden has brought challenges, particularly when it comes to theft. Missing produce not only disrupts the intended distribution of fruits and vegetables but also undermines the collective efforts of ... Continue Reading »