Healthy Cooking Demonstrations

6 Replies

Hi everyone,

I am currently working on my MPH in Nutrition Practicum. I am going to be doing healthy cooking demonstrations at several of the Senior Nutrition Program sites in my community later this summer. The research shows that of the seniors who are in these programs nationwide,

  • 43% were at high nutritional risk; 45% were at moderate nutritional risk, and
  • 58% received one half or more of their daily food intake from their congregate meal.

My hope is to inspire participating seniors to prepare a healthy breakfast and dinner at home in addition to the hot lunch they receive at the sites. I will be presenting my demonstrations to approximately 100 seniors total at several sites around the county. Prior to my demonstrations, I completed a survey of interest and I will receive my Serv-Safe certification next weekend.

Reference:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Aging. “Elderly Nutrition Program Fact Sheet,” 2003.

6 thoughts on “Healthy Cooking Demonstrations”

  1. mphn

    Hi Carrie.

    This is such an important and needed project. Please feel free to share your presentation ideas here in this blog and also in Blackboard with the other students who are enrolled in Practicum this summer. Take advantage of the students in the MPH in Nutrition — as you know from our online course discussions, the students in this program consistently provide a wealth of information and practical ideas!

    Dr. Patsy

  2. Nancy Cohen

    Hi Carrie – your practicum sounds very interesting. What will you be demonstrating? Will you be collecting any feedback from the participants on what they are interested in? Please keep us posted!
    Dr C

  3. cforrest Post author

    Hi Dr. Cohen,

    Thanks! I did a survey to all of the congregate site clients which evaluated their interest in the demos and which kinds of recipes they wanted, any health conditions they were concerned about, etc. The two recipes I will be featuring in the demo are a Black Bean & Corn Salad and a Banana Berry Crunch Parfait. I am excited, my first demo is scheduled for July 19th!

    Carrie

  4. Nancy Cohen

    Good luck on the demo! Food demos can be tricky – it’s hard to plan the food items and equipment and remember the points you want to make and speak clearly while concentrating on cooking. Multitasking comes in handy!

  5. cforrest Post author

    Hi Dr. Cohen,

    I had my first demo today and, you’re right, there is a ton of planning and prep work for this type of presentation. From the paper towels to the serving spoons to the food components, it is a lot to put together. But, it went well and I have 4 more to go!

    Thanks,

    Carrie

  6. Kelly Harnish

    Carrie,

    Your practicum sounds like fun! I really support your idea that meals prepared at home are the healthiest. What a terrific service to provide people with the tools to be independent and healthy at any age. Good luck with the last month of your practicum!

    Kelly

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