The Mayo Clinic calls kale a nutrition superstar. Thanks to a grant from Sprouts Farmers Market, Adelante’s Adventures day program participants had a culinary adventure with kale and lots of other fresh ingredients. They toured Chispas Farm and took a cooking class from Fallon Bader of The Sprouting Kitchen.
What was this tour and cooking class all about?
Clients and staff first got to see farmers in action and learned what produce Chispas is growing. Fallon took them to several plants and had the clients guess what vegetables they were. “This is what we’ll be cooking with today,” she said as she held up a kale leaf from a plant. Next, clients washed their hands, put on aprons, and learned how to make a delicious kale salad. They massaged kale with salt, lemon juice, and avocado. They learned how to make pickled onions and homemade croutons. Finally, they sliced tomatoes, radishes, and cucumbers for the salad.
Why are these classes important for people with disabilities?
Clients learn a multitude of skills from cooking classes including kitchen safety, hygiene, and teamwork. In fact, Adelante staff members often spend time teaching clients how to cook a variety of foods.
Cooking can give people a sense of independence, and provide accomplishment social connection. Preparing meals is one important way humans support themselves and those close to them. Staff and clients also develop bonds while preparing dishes together. Learning new recipes, trying new foods, and learning how to operate kitchen equipment also helps develop a sense of accomplishment and greater independence.
This outdoor cooking class was certainly a great opportunity for clients to build on those skills. Fallon, for example, passed around spices for people with disabilities to smell and choose what they wanted to add to the croutons. This helped clients learn more about their own food preferences, and how to make choices that empower them in the kitchen. She also taught clients basic knife skills. They used special safer knives for this class. Finally, they plated up and savored their creation. All in all, everyone learned how healthy eating can be delicious and fun! A few attendees who weren’t sure they liked salad or kale ended up trying the dish, and it was the first time some people tried kale in their lives.
The Importance of Client Experiences in the Community
While there are plenty of activities to do on-site at Adelante day programs, ultimately people with disabilities belong in the community and Adelante values inclusion. One of Adelante’s day programs is called Adventures for a reason! Staff members take small groups of clients on outings every day, Monday through Friday. For example, they may visit cafes to learn how to order food or a store where they purchase items to learn how to handle money. First of all, it’s important for clients to get out and participate in the community because it provides a chance to learn in real-world settings. Secondly, outings such as this cooking class are an opportunity for clients to develop new interests and learn helpful skills.
Want to help people with disabilities live better lives?
Adelante wants to offer a big thank you to Sprouts for making this outing and class possible. If you and your company would like to support these efforts reach out to our development team at (505)341-2000 or info@GoAdelante.org.
Another great way to help people with disabilities learn and grow is to become a direct support professional. We are continually looking for people who are caring and capable to support these kinds of outings in the community or lessons at our day programs and homes. Adelante currently has openings in our residential homes in Albuquerque and Valencia County as well as our day programs. You can truly make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities and seniors through this profession. Adelante also offers benefits for you and your family as well as a hiring bonus. Learn more about this work and job openings across Adelante on our employment page.