Finding respite in the kitchen, Chartwells at PSU

PLATTSBURGH | Making and sharing meals builds friendship and connection. At SUNY Plattsburgh, Chartwells Higher Ed opens its Teaching Kitchen with support from staff for just this purpose. A local group of Alzheimer's caregivers meet monthly to learn new ways to prepare food and enjoy each other's company. "We want to join the interconnectedness that Plattsburgh is," said MacKenzie Mainville, Chartwells marketing manager at SUNY Plattsburgh. They've opened their kitchen to the SUNY Alzheimer's Disease Caregivers Support Initiative, which meets monthly at Samuel D's in Sibley Hall on campus, usually on a Wednesday. Meal prep and conversation provide respite and a chance to try new recipes. The support group works with Chartwells' Executive Chef Laura Rathbun and Campus Dietician Sarah Yandow. "Food is the center of most social gatherings," Mainville said. "It's so much more than just eating, it's a way to connect with other people. The Alzheimer's caregivers all know each other and there's a lot of camaraderie. The group itself supports the project. We kind of tap into a couple of different categories with them, making meals that are easy to prepare in a group setting, and also something fun and delicious. We try to bring in types of food they might not have had before. It's a chance to try something new." And it's all hands-on, so everyone gets involved in assembling the dish. "We had one Teaching Kitchen where they made charcuterie boards, exploring ways to cut different cheeses, fruits and veggies. They made mocktails and sipped while they made their boards," Mainville said. In another simple dish, the group blended flavors with cilantro lime coleslaw and seasoned chicken. "That proved to be a popular recipe," Mainville said. "Sometimes they prepare dessert items and they get to take it home. It's good to be able to do something fun in the midst of life's challenges." Chartwells opened their kitchen to group events in an effort to reach further into the Plattsburgh community. "The Alheimer's caregivers initially approached us. And we are trying to get out into the community more, widening and deepening our local connection so people know we're not just the college dining company. We want the larger community to know that we're here." They host a Teaching Kitchen on the PSU campus for students. "We provide it as a backdrop in the main dining hall with samples of different foods," Mainville said. "We have a Super Food of the Month, for example, chickpeas. We made chocolate hummus and a lot of the students really liked it. We try to use seasonal produce in interesting ways. We've even made apple nachos with different toppings." Chartwells Teaching Kitchen within SUNY Plattsburgh also brings nutrition educational resources to the Cardinal Cupboard, providing students with ways to use non-perishable items or include leftovers in a different type of dish. In Plattsburgh, Mainville said, they source ingredients locally whenever possible, buying from many familiar farms and producers, including Giroux Farms, Chazy Orchards, Rulf's Orchards, and "Without a Trace" baked goods. Chartwell manages over 300 kitchens around the country, primarily in university settings. "If anyone is interested in creating any type of community partnership with us, I would encourage them to reach out," Mainville said. "I would at least love to have a conversation." To contact Mainville via email: mackenzie.c.dumas@gmail.com or call 518-321-0794 Chartwells also offers nutrition services free of charge to all SUNY Plattsburgh current students, athletes, and employees. To schedule an appointment via email sarah.yandow@compass-usa.com or call 518-564-3030 The SUNY Alzheimer's Disease Caregivers Support Initiative is located in Sibley Hall, 113 Rugar Street, in Plattsburgh. They host many activities for caregivers, friends, and families supporting those with Alzheimer's. To find out more about services and support, contact Melissa Fischler at 518-915-3115 ext. 9878 or via email: mefischler@alz.org To find other regional Alzheimer's Caregiver Support: plattsburgh.edu/about/centers/cnbh/adcsi/support.html

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Finding respite in the kitchen, Chartwells at PSU

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