Cooking with confidence
Reach Foundation, Sobeys helping young adults recover from mental illness
Healthy food and a healthy mind go hand-in-hand.
That’s the mindset behind a cooking partnership that has sprouted between the Reach Foundation and Sobeys Extra in Stratford this fall.
The foundation provides a stigma-free environment for young adults recovering from mental health and addiction issues.
Nutrition and fitness are big parts of that, says Chris Craig, a community liaison with the Reach Foundation, who works in youth services for Health P.E.I.
“Our clients are with us for 16 weeks, and it’s important in mental health and addictions recovery to be active, to eat well. It has many benefits.”
At Sobeys, chef Nathan Schoenfeldt, well-being counsellor Hannah Scribner and dietitian Margaret Young have teamed up to put on the classes every two weeks since early October. The program wraps up Dec. 7.
“What we eat greatly affects how we feel, how much energy we have,” Scribner said. “It’s so important for us to take the time and eat well.”
Shopping on a budget is a major theme of the program. The participants get a tour of each department, learning where the best buys are and cuts of meat they can ask the butcher to make.
For Jessica Praught, who recently moved out on her own for the first time, it’s been a big help.
“I really don’t have any budgeting skills. I’ve never done grocery shopping for just myself (prior to the program).”
Learning new skills has been a big confidence-booster, said Praught, 25.
“I actually enjoy cooking a lot. I don’t do it as often as I’d like to because I live alone and it’s not very fun cooking for yourself. I really enjoyed all the dishes they have taught us so far.”
Her favourite was a pan-fried salmon with a honey butter glaze. That was paired with a risotto during the third class.
Schoenfeldt said the youth were asked if they’d ever cooked rice at the start of that day’s session. The only person not to put their hand up ended up cooking the risotto.
“It was fantastic. The risotto turned out perfect. She felt like a rock star, and that’s everything we want to see.”
And that’s the focus – hands-on cooking.
“I can show anybody how to do it, but to actually stand there and get in it, use the spoon, roll the meat around, sear the thing, test the temperature, season it yourself – that’s something else.”
Other recipes so far have included roast chicken, a vegetable chili and Moroccan beef stew.
Scribner said the dishes are meant to be inexpensive and full of flavour.
“If it’s not palatable, you waste it. We’re trying to show them how to make food taste good with as little waste as possible.”
Liam Mullen, 21, said the classes have stoked an interest in trying different types of food and making it himself.
“It’s definitely helpful to have a professional walk you through it all, and you can ask questions. It helps make you feel more confident going into a store, knowing what you want, what you need and making your own recipes.”
Buying fast food for convenience has been a tough habit to break, he said, but the Sobeys staff has taught him a lot.
“The biggest thing for me is the shopping and getting good value aspect because I was really bad at that before. I wouldn’t compare prices or look for sales.”
Lots of people overlook nutrition as part of the recovery from mental health or addictions, Mullen said.
“But, it can be pretty drastic, the change in the way you feel if you eat healthy foods and you’re making smart decisions and have some extra money in your pocket.”
The Reach Foundation received a wellness grant from the Department of Health and Wellness to add a fitness and nutrition component to their work with people in recovery.
That encompasses the cooking program and a personal trainer aspect with Jason Mosher from Naturally Fit.
Craig said a healthy lifestyle can benefit anyone, but especially those trying to get their life back in order after bouts with mental health or addictions.
“It helps reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and instills confidence in marginalized youth.”