Among the 59 families in Hanover County’s Royal Glen neighborhood, 13 had kindergartners starting school this year. When one of those 13, Reese Klauer, was diagnosed with a brain tumor in January, the community galvanized around her. Neighbors built a wheelchair ramp for her house, because surgery to remove the tumor left her temporarily unable to walk.

Academics, fitness and a healthy dinner are on the menu at a new after-school initiative at L. Douglas Wilder Middle School in Henrico County. Two days a week, students in the school’s Recipe for Success program get to study, exercise and—best of all—eat.