Hospital hosts cooking party for cancer survivors

Southwestern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington, Vt., hosted a cooking party for cancer survivors this week. 

The virtual gathering taught attendees how to make stew, lentil chicken soup, frittata, energy bites and avocado-tahini dip. Cooking demonstrations were led by the hospital’s executive chef, Laura LaCroix, its registered dietitian, Kristin Irace, and two oncologists.

Participants received their ingredients ahead of time so that they were ready to make the dishes when the event started. 

Healthcare foodservice operators have been using virtual cooking demos throughout COVID-19 as a way to connect with patients and senior-living residents. Recently, Concord Park Senior Living in Concord, Mass., held a brain-healthy cooking demo for local seniors, while chef Andrew Coates held a demo for residents of two Illinois senior-living communities over the holidays.