Serving Joy: Inside Sherwood Park Manor’s Creative Food Programs
At Sherwood Park Manor, the vibrancy of our community is often found in the hands of our dedicated Life Enrichment team. Today, we’d like to introduce you to two members of that incredible team: Deanna Jackett and Justine Stevens.
As full-time Life Enrichment staff, Deanna and Justine are the creative minds and compassionate hearts behind much of what makes life here at the Manor so special. You’ll find them coordinating activities and engaging programs, sharing conversation with residents, and lifting the spirits of everyone who passes through our doors. More than just event or activity planners, they play a crucial role in tailoring unique care plans, ensuring each resident’s journey with us is fulfilling and joyful.
In 2022, nearing the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, Deanna had the idea to create ‘Food Around the World’, a program designed for residents to learn about and taste food from various countries and cultures. We chatted with Deanna and Justine to learn more about this delicious enrichment program and Food Four Ways – a spin-off of Food Around the World.
Tell us about Food Around the World
“One of the most anticipated monthly events is Food Around the World,” Deanna shares. She described how the program takes residents on a culinary journey, dedicating each month to the exploration of a new country.
“We break it down into four delicious parts: a traditional drink, a tempting appetizer or snack, a satisfying main dish, and of course, a dessert to top things off.” It’s more than just a tasting; Deanna explained that each bite-sized serving offers an opportunity to learn. “As they savour each item, we talk about the country’s history and the stories behind the food itself.”
Justine adds, “We really aim to make it interactive and fun for everyone. It’s wonderful to see how much the residents look forward to it – it’s definitely become a highlight!”
How do you pick the country each month?
Deanna says the program started with familiar dishes from North America and has since expanded to European countries, a few in South America, and now the program is exploring Asian cuisine.
“We’ve run 26 Food Around the World events. We’re thrilled it’s been such a successful program that always gathers a lot of interest”, shared Justine.
How did Food Around the World begin?
Food Around the World was a passion project for Deanna, who is eager herself to get out there and begin travelling.
“It was after a few years working through the pandemic and wanting to travel myself, that I thought of this program”, Deanna shared. “I proposed the idea to our Executive Director Nancy, and as a fellow foodie, she loved the idea”.
Deanna explained that while the food program was her idea initially, she knew she needed to recruit some help in order to run the program to its full potential. Deanna approached Justine, and together they brought the program to life.
“We take turns deciding on the country and foods to do”, Deanna said. “Justine takes the role of preparing and cooking the food items and I put together the presentation side where I explain the country, some history and some background of each food item.”
Deanna shared that she doesn’t know of many other long-term care homes offering this type of program for their residents. “It’s a program that requires a lot of thought, planning, and research in terms of the country and the presentation/history component of the program.”
Justine adds that she enjoys cooking and as a picky eater herself, she has enjoyed learning about new cuisines and stepping out of her comfort zone, a sentiment she feels many residents also share.
After experiencing such enthusiasm for this program, the two came up with a second food-inspired activity they call Food Four Ways.
Tell us more about Food Four Ways
“Food Four Ways was created only a few months after Food Around the World,” Justine shares. “The idea was more about taking a simple food item and seeing what you can make from it.”
“For residents to try potatoes four ways, we made mashed potatoes, French fries, hash browns and potato salad,” Deanna explained. “We’ve also tried this program with tomatoes, cucumbers and other fresh ingredients.”
These programs have become such a beloved fixture at the Manor, and our continuation over the last few years is a direct testament to the overwhelmingly positive response from our residents.
Their enthusiasm says it all: “I like it. We get to try new things. I love to eat,” shared one resident, while another simply stated, “They’re good.” Many appreciate the unique experience it offers, with comments like, “I think it is wonderful,” and “I like the food activities; it is something to do besides watch television and do crossword puzzles.” For others, it’s a welcome taste of variety: “It gives you something a bit different than what they serve here.”
The program even offers a sense of adventure and learning, as one resident beautifully put it, “I like trying all the kinds of food from all the different places and learning about each one. It is kind of like travelling there.”
Beyond the culinary delights, it fosters connection, with one resident noting, “We get to meet the neighbours.” The anticipation for specific countries is palpable too, as seen with the keen interest in the recent Ukrainian feature: “I am very interested in this one.” It’s not just the residents who are captivated; we’ve even noticed some of our staff eagerly dropping by to see what delicious creations are being sampled each month, a true sign of a program that brings joy to the entire community.
Deanna and Justine, with their passion and creativity, have truly cooked up something special here at the Manor. Programs like Food Around the World and Food Four Ways are more than just activities; they are vibrant threads in the fabric of our community, weaving together joy, learning, and connection. It’s a beautiful reminder of how dedicated members of our team can enrich the lives of others, one delicious discovery and shared experience at a time.
We are incredibly grateful for their commitment to making every day at the Manor a little more flavorful and engaging.
