On Wednesday, October 15, the Mental Wellness team of Acton-Boxborough Community Compass (ABCC) (formerly the AB United Way) hosted a cozy Community Potluck at the AB Resource Center, bringing together nearly 50 residents to share homemade dishes, swap recipes, and build connections.
The event opened with remarks from Dr. Steve Michelson, Ph.D., who spoke about the importance of community, mental wellness, and nourishing both the mind and body.
The potluck is part of the Nourish Project, a wellness initiative led by the Mental Wellness team of ABCC. The project emphasizes the powerful intersection of food, mental well-being, and community connection. Participants shared dishes, offered recipes, and told their stories to each other at round tables in the space that many years ago housed Danny’s Place and, before that, the Merriam School auditorium. Idylwilde Farms in Acton and Ed Hyder’s Mediterranean Marketplace in Worcester contributed food for the meal.
The Nourish Project was launched last year. In its first year, the project introduced a community cookbook that featured 35 resident-contributed recipes, hosted a panel discussion, and organized Nourish Week to promote healthy, affordable eating while addressing local food insecurity.
With Year Two now underway, the initiative is expanding. The team is still collecting recipes for the cookbook, whether it’s a cherished family dish or a weeknight favorite. Share yours at abccompass.org/nourish.
After supper, AB Community Compass staff led tours through the AB Exchange (no relation to this Acton Exchange news source), the free “shop” where residents can pick up clothing and other essentials. They pointed to racks of backpacks and neatly arranged clothing; a tabletop display of Halloween costumes; dress clothing for homecoming events; and a cabinet full of birthday presents available to residents who want to give but cannot afford to buy. Compass’ program and volunteer coordinator, Piña Madera, said that they gave out 800 coats last season. She also said that the Resource Center has successfully hired students with special needs from ABRHS and the Victor School.
As guests began to leave, the board of AB Community Compass gathered around the tables for a planning meeting. Upcoming highlights include Nourish Week, January 24–31, and an April 12 Potluck with guest speaker Dayna Altman, author of Bake It Till You Make It.
Want to get involved? Visit abccompass.org, sign up for the mailing list, or stop by the AB Resource Center at 15 Charter Rd, Acton, MA to learn more about the Nourish Project’s work in the community supporting neighbors in need. Reach out at abccompass.org/nourish; you’ll be welcomed to the table.
Maria Ledeboer-Cid, a member of the board of AB Community Compass, co-organized the Community Potluck.
