I planned four weekly cooking demonstration sessions and sampling at the Tewksbury Senior Center, Tewksbury, MA. This center works to enhance the quality of life of seniors by developing programs, activities and resources to enrich the quality of life. In order to do these demos, I took two certifications: ServSafe Food Handler and Allergy Awareness Training Certificates (attached below). ServSafe program delivers food safety training to employees. Allergy Awareness Training is provided to educate food services professionals about food allergies and how to prevent cross contamination.
I did my first cooking demonstration this morning 18th of July 2018 between 10 AM and 12 PM. I started setting the table and organizing it at 9 :15 AM. Today’s Demonstration was about making healthy smoothies and its benefits to health and well-being. A list of the smoothie ingredients and toppings was provided and explained. The smoothie consists of fresh bananas, frozen strawberries, mangoes, peaches, pineapple, organic plain yogurt and organic spinach. Toppings are chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, unsweetened shredded coconut and fresh sliced berries.
Most seniors happily welcomed the smoothie and enjoyed it, few refused it due to diabetes and dietary restrictions. Four seniors were very enthusiastic to learn more and ask questions. They were very motivated to learn new things and intend to use the new tips at home. They were also happy to learn that I’m implementing three more nutrition workshops in the next 3 weeks.
It was enjoyable and rewarding educating the senior group who were curious and loved to ask questions and learn new things. It was a learning experience understanding the group who were hesitant to try the smoothie because it had spinach or because it was slightly green. I look forward to my future workshops and more understanding of the seniors in my community.
Allergy Awareness Training Certifcate
Iman Djarraya, MBChB, BMedSci, CHC
MPH Nutrition Graduate Student at UMass Amherst
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