Forum Discussion

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Diane 6th May 2021 Activity Coordinator

Hello! I have been an Activity Coordinator at a 50 bed Seniors Lodge now for 4 1/2 years and love it! I have found that I get the biggest group participation when there is food involved and I was wondering if any of you have ideas for food for sampling, or just yummy treats? So far I have Rootbeer Floats, Ice Cream Sundaes, Banana Splits, Sample frozen yogurt, cheese and an assortment of pickled things. I already do popcorn afternoons and Ice Cream Socials with things like Fudgesicles etc. I need a few more ideas as I plan on doing at least two a month over the summer months. Thank you in advance and keep safe out there.

Solange 6th May 2021 Diversional Therapist

Hi Diane, how innovative you are! Congratulations. Here are a few ideas to think about: Popular Dips Around the World, Cheeses Around the World, Colored Vegetables, Sushi Galore (sample Kelp, Seaweed, Tofu, Tempeh), Meatballs From Around the World (Cajun, Swedish, Tuscan, Greek, Spanish). You may request residents' relatives to bring a sample.
Keep safe.

Susan 7th May 2021 Activity Director

Hi Diane
Golden Carers has many cooking ideas
https://www.goldencarers.com/search/?search_tag=Activity&search=Cooking%20Activities
I agree that residents seem to like activities with food
Also the armchair travel activities lend them selves nicely to some cooking ideas for example here is one to Portugal
https://www.goldencarers.com/armchair-travel-to-portugal/6917/
But each place you visit has some food ideas so you could go around the world with food

Diane 7th May 2021 Activity Coordinator

Thank you both for your replies and ideas. We are not allowed to do cooking at this time but I have seen most of the cooking activities on your site. I like the veggie and dip idea. I would like to have them try different kinds of veggies, but being in a small community with a small grocery store there isn't much selection. I will definitely use the Veggies and Dip idea.
Thanks again!
Take Care

Jean 8th May 2021 Activities Coordinator

Did you see my comment on the forum, just bread and jam it went down well.

Susan 9th May 2021 Activity Director

Thank you Jean for your input
https://www.goldencarers.com/forum-search/?searchterm=Bread+and+jam

Kim 11th May 2021 Registered Nurse

Hi Dianne, I do a cooking activity twice a month, alternating between sweet and savory. I keep it to 1/12 hours in total. I try to make sure that once it goes into the oven it only takes about 1/2 an hour. my residents all enjoy watching the food being prepared and of course eating the finished product. We reminisce about cooking in the " old days". There are plenty of quick and easy recipes on google. My group can be anywhere up to 25-30 people. You can try old favourites or food from other cultures. Good luck and have fun.

Diane 12th May 2021 Activity Coordinator

Thank you Kim and Jean! Great ideas!

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