Posted on May 3, 2022
Mary Free Bed Kids Celebrate Diversity Month in the Kitchen
In recognition of Diversity Month, patients at Mary Free Bed Kids celebrated with a culinary twist!
All month long, six teenagers who are patients at Mary Free Bed’s pediatric inpatient program in Grand Rapids along with their parents and staff, celebrated different heritages in the Mary Free Bed therapy kitchen. Each week, the creative team of therapists spiced it up by exploring a new culture through its location, local ingredients, comfort foods and meal sharing traditions.
“We love providing therapy outside of the box,” said Mary Free Bed pediatric occupational therapist Penny Adams. “For teenagers, socialization is especially important.”
As part of their therapy program – including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology and recreational therapy – the group explored a full culinary journey. Each week, the project began in the community with a trip to the grocery store. In anticipation of the weekly meals, the patients, whose diagnoses include brain injury, neurological disorder and critical illness myopathy, learned to plan menus, select produce and even bargain hunt.
Back at the hospital, they spent time together with their therapists learning, watching videos and reading about the destination and traditions of the week’s celebrated culture. The teens also took food safety classes in preparation for safely using the space and equipment available in the Mary Free Bed Activities of Daily Living (ADL) kitchen.
“The ADL kitchen allows patients to practice instrumental tasks related to meal preparation and cooking,” explained Maria Besta, manager of recreational therapy, wheelchair and adaptive sports and driver rehabilitation at Mary Free Bed. “It’s specifically designed to provide an accessible space for therapy and promote patient independence.”
In this case, the ADL kitchen offered the group of patients a fun and unique opportunity to interact with peers.
“Group projects like this give us an opportunity to celebrate differences and provide a social experience that the kids don’t usually get in a hospital,” said Penny.
Last week’s family-style meal included tastes of Italy! Gnocchi, bruschetta and cannoli were all on the menu.
View the gallery below. This story was also covered by FOX 17.
