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Adult Programs

Category: Adult Programs

Showing Up for Herself: A Caregiver’s Wellness Journey

At the start of 2025, she made a New Year’s resolution, not just for fitness, but for herself. As a full-time caregiver for her father who has Alzheimer’s, her time, energy, and finances were stretched thin. With only part-time work and a full-time care schedule, she couldn’t afford yoga or nutrition classes and didn’t have the capacity to invest in herself. But she knew one thing, she didn’t want to turn 50 feeling frumpy, worn down, and disconnected from her own well-being. 

Despite trying to stay active in the past, nothing had stuck. She’d often fall into the pattern of taking care of everyone else first and putting herself last. She described herself as “a bit lazy,” but in truth, she was burned out. Still, she had sheer determination and a desire to learn. 

On a whim, she Googled “free cooking lessons,” not expecting to find anything. But she stumbled across the Cambridge Food Bank’s wellness programs. Embarrassed at first, she kept it to herself. But after joining the cooking classes, everything started to shift.  She’s now an advocate for the food bank and has a mission to reduce the stigma around it. 

Being vegan, the Meatless Mondays program aligned perfectly with her values. She discovered new ingredients like soy nuggets, an affordable protein she now loves, and started sprouting seeds on her counter. She realized that nutritious food didn’t have to be expensive or complicated. She began cooking more often, experimenting with new flours and techniques that expanded her options beyond just lentils and beans. 

Through cooking, she found yoga, and that’s where things really changed. In-person sessions gave her the space to focus on herself away from home (and her barking dog!). It helped her reset each week, improve her flexibility (she can now touch her toes!), and take away small, practical tips like breathing exercises and digestion support. 

“I used to feel stuck,” she said. “But now I feel like I have real tools, a community, and a reason to show up for myself.” 

For someone who never thought she’d find anything free, or worth her time, she’s found more than she imagined: confidence, consistency, and a new approach to caring for herself as fiercely as she cares for others. 

More Than a Food Bank: How Wellness Programs Are Feeding the Whole Person

When people picture a food bank, they often think of shelves of canned goods and non-perishable items. But at the Cambridge Food Bank, we are proud to be More Than a Food Bank.

We offer the dignity of choice through our shopping model, providing fresh, nutritious, and culturally diverse food options. In addition, through our wellness programs we offer people hope and the opportunity to heal, grow, and belong.

In 2024, over 850 adults and seniors participated in our free adult and older adults wellness programs, via virtual and in-person sessions in yoga, pilates, cooking classes, nutrition workshops, and caregiver support groups. Thanks to our donors, partners, grants, and volunteers, these programs are free and open to all.

As Chantelle, our Intake Coordinator, shares:

“I love seeing how people feel like they belong here.  I’ll see someone come in shy and unsure and within the next few months of becoming a participant of the Cambridge Food Bank they have joined yoga or cooking, and they blossom into a member of the community, they become a part of something, an advocate for building health and belonging through food, education and advocacy.”

From Emergency Help to Lasting Health

Many people first come to the Cambridge Food Bank seeking emergency food assistance. But what they often discover is a whole community of support ready to walk alongside them.

Wellness Hub Participants are not only accessing nutritious food but are also improving their health:

  • After attending our Cooking & Nutrition Program, 60% of participants now cook at home four or more times per week (up from 40%)
  • Daily fruit and vegetable consumption rose dramatically, with 68% now eating 3–4 servings a day
  • 84% of participants now find it easy to read nutrition labels, empowering them to make informed food choices
  • After participating in our Movement Programs, balance improved by 36%, stair climbing ability improved by 30%, and daily walking increased by 33
  • Stress levels dropped by nearly 40%, and 96% of participants reported feeling a stronger sense of belonging

These small, meaningful changes add up to lasting transformation.

Wellness is for Everyone

Whether it’s learning to manage blood sugar through healthier meals, finding peace through mindful movement, or connecting with others after feeling isolated, our wellness programs create pathways to better living.

They matter to the grandmother who can now lift her arms over her head again.
They matter to the parent who learned how to prepare healthy meals for their family.
They matter to every individual who realized that health, dignity, and connection are within reach.

As Chai Maybhate, our Health Promoter, says:

“Together, we grow stronger. You don’t have to do this alone—we’re here to support, uplift, and walk alongside you every step of the way. I will meet you where you are.  One step at a time!!”

Let’s Keep Growing

Together, we are building health, hope, and belonging through every meal shared, every yoga pose learned, and every recipe tried.

Are you—or someone you know—looking to feel better, eat well, and connect with others?
Click here to check out our free Adult and Older Adult Wellness Programs.

Participants Photos

Conquering Chronic Pain: How a Self-Directed Course Transformed Beverly’s Life

Beverly Reidy shares with us a letter she wrote to Dr Cook after having attended a workshop with Chai, our Health Promoter here at the Cambridge Food Bank.

“Dear Dr. Cook,

 I am writing to tell you all that I have accomplished using the textbook Living a Healthy Life With Chronic Pain and the Toolkit for Active Living With Chronic Pain. I am very impressed with the course, especially since it is using a self-directed approach. The course isn’t just laid out for you to follow along in the textbook but it is directed through our weekly Zoom sessions. We do follow topics but we get in depth on topics that are discussed online and we focus on what is important to the group members. I enjoyed learning about tracking my pain and how to measure my pain but above all I felt it was important to develop the weekly action plan as it guided my routine and was based on my goals for the week. It not only taught you to set goals but to set SMART goals that were action oriented. Our leader Chai, who is very excellent at teaching the course, taught us to evaluate how confident we were that we could achieve our goals. If our confidence level was low then we needed to reset our goal or discuss what was holding us back.

We learned about healthy eating and the importance of weight management in controlling our pain. I found that reading the label of packaged foods was key to understanding a food and we learned how those percents on packages related to our daily intake.

We also learned about managing our symptoms through (Lefort, et al, 45):

·      Redirecting my attention to control pain

·      Challenging negative thoughts that support pain

·      Cultivating more positive emotions

·      Developing relaxation techniques

·      Slowly increasing activity and reconditioning yourself

·      Learning pacing techniques

I thought that I understood all of these things but I learned the importance of keeping a pain diary. I also understand that even if pain sensations cannot be changed then I can change my reaction and responses to pain. This will help me experience a lessened sensation of pain and less anxiety yet help me to lead a more active life.

One of the most important aspects of this course was the inclusion of the CDs. I use the body scan CD to relax my whole body and would like to incorporate this daily. I was also surprised that the exercise CD was doable for anyone in any condition. Both CDs connected to the text and were written in words to follow and the exercises were demonstrated in pictures. Both were very thorough and well presented. Throughout the weeks of the course we practiced each body scan and the exercises together!

I know that I always can learn more about pain management and have signed up for another course to build on what I have learned. I will also continue to incorporate what I have learned, start a pain diary, and work to manage my symptoms from what the knowledge that I have gained.

 I would recommend this course to all your patients suffering from chronic pain. I cannot put into words how much this course has meant to me. Not only from being tailored to my own specific needs, the excellent techniques but also for the social aspect and comradery experienced in this learning journey.

 Thank you Dr. Cook, for recommending this course to me!

Beverly Reidy” 

Lefort, Sandra M., et al. Living a Healthy Life With Chronic Pain. Bull Publishing Company: Boulder, Colorado. 2015.

 Your Tool Kit ForActive Living With Chronic Pain. Bull Publishing Company and the Self-Management Resource Center. 2020.

If you’d like to learn more about the free programs available from the Cambridge Food Bank, contact Chai at 519-572-9359 or email cmaybhate@cambridgefoodbank.org.

Grandparents/Kin Support – Why is our group important?

Introduction:

Navigating the complexities of raising grandchildren or supporting kin can be an incredibly challenging journey. For many grandparents and kin caregivers, finding a support system is not just helpful; it’s essential. In this blog post, we’ll explore the significance of a peer support group dedicated to grandparents and kin, why it matters, and the multitude of ways it benefits both older adults and the children they care for.

1. Building Relationships:

One of the most crucial aspects of this peer support group is the opportunity it provides for grandparents and kin caregivers to build relationships. The bond between grandparents and grandchildren is special, but it’s not always easy to maintain, especially in complex situations.  This group offers a platform for these families to connect, share experiences, and strengthen their relationships.

2. You Are Not Alone:

The feeling of isolation can be overwhelming for grandparents and kin caregivers. This group reassures them that they are not alone in their journey. Sharing stories, challenges, and triumphs with others who understand their unique circumstances can be incredibly comforting. Knowing that there’s a community of support can make all the difference.

3. Peer-to-Peer Support and Lived Experiences:

Grandparents and kin caregivers are able to tap into a vast pool of wisdom and experience within the group. Peer-to-peer support allows them to gain insights from others who have walked similar paths. Learning from lived experiences can be invaluable, offering practical advice and emotional support.

4. Support Topics Covered:

The group covers a wide range of topics to address the unique challenges faced by grandparents and kin caregivers, including:

  • Stress: Strategies for managing the stress that can come with caregiving.
  • Trauma: Coping with past traumas or helping children who have experienced trauma.
  • Fears: Addressing the fears and anxieties of both older adults and the children in their care.
  • Addictions: Dealing with addiction issues within the family.
  • Supports: Identifying and accessing available support systems.
  • Needs: Meeting the unique needs of both older adults and the children.
  • Mental Health: Caring for one’s mental health and that of the children.
  • Independence: Fostering independence in children while ensuring their safety and well-being.

7. Fun Activities:

It’s not all about addressing challenges and difficulties. The group also emphasizes the importance of fun and enjoyment. Some of the fun activities included in these programs are:

  • Special Guests: Inviting experts or motivational speakers to inspire and educate the group.
  • Two Outings: Organizing two outings to explore new places or simply have a change of scenery.
  • Monthly Fun Activities: Engaging in various activities, such as arts and crafts, games, etc. to promote bonding and relaxation.

The importance of a peer support group for grandparents and kin caregivers cannot be overstated. It offers a lifeline, a community of like-minded individuals who understand the unique challenges and joys of their situation. By addressing a wide range of topics, providing emotional support, and promoting fun and togetherness, this group is truly making a difference in the lives of those it serves.

Cooking & Connecting with Chai and the Cambridge Food Bank

We live in a world that is increasingly isolated and disconnected. With the rise of social media and digital technology, it’s easy to forget the importance of human connection and the benefits that come with being part of a community. That’s why we want to take a moment to acknowledge the work that Chai is doing at the Cambridge Food Bank.

Chai runs an incredible program that not only helps people connect with each other but also teaches them how to make low-cost nutrient-dense snacks and meals.

Here are 5 reasons why engaging with others within your community through activities like cooking can be so beneficial:

  1. Community building: Activities like cooking with others can help you build relationships and connect with people in your community. This sense of connection and belonging is crucial for our mental and emotional well-being.

  2. Learning new skills: Participating in cooking activities can help you learn new skills and techniques, as well as gain knowledge about healthy eating and nutrition.

  3. Nutrition: Cooking with others can be a great way to prepare healthy, cost-effective meals as everyone can contribute their knowledge and experience. 

  4. Fun and enjoyable: Cooking with others can be a fun and enjoyable activity, especially when you are working together towards a common goal. It can help you feel more relaxed, engaged, and fulfilled.

  5. Improved mental health: Engaging in activities with others has been shown to improve mental health outcomes, such as reducing stress and increasing feelings of happiness and well-being.

Click Here to Learn More About our Wellness Programs

Participant Creations

Participant Testimonials

We’ve heard great testimonials from the participants of the adult programming here at the Cambridge Food Bank. We encourage everyone to take advantage of opportunities to engage with others within their community, whether it’s through cooking or other activities.

Click Here to Learn More About our Wellness Programs

Have questions or would like to register?  Contact Chai at 519-622-6550 ext 220 or cmaybhate@cambridgefoodbank.org

Molly’s Gluten-Free and Lactose-Free Pancakes

Deliciously Made with Lentils and Rice for a Healthier Breakfast Option

We recently received a wonderful review from one of our program participants at Cambridge Food Bank, Molly. After taking part in our Wellness program, Molly was able to create a delicious and healthy meal for her entire family using the raw lentils and rice from our resource bag.

“ Chai….You have shown me an amazing way of living healthily on a budget”

Molly soaked the lentils and rice and used the batter to make crepes with no oil, yeast, or sugar. Her whole family loved the meal, and Molly was thrilled with her experiment. Not only was the meal tasty, but it was also protein-rich and cost only $3-6 for a family of four!

This is just one example of the many benefits of our Wellness programs. We aim to provide participants with the knowledge and resources they need to create healthy and nutritious meals that support food restrictions and dietary needs. Our program emphasizes the use of affordable and accessible ingredients, such as raw lentils and rice, to help participants save money and reduce food waste.

By taking part in our Wellness program, participants like Molly can gain the skills and confidence they need to make healthy choices for themselves and their families. Whether you’re looking to create a low-budget meal or adhere to specific dietary restrictions, our program can provide you with the knowledge and tools to do so.

So why not give our Wellness program a try? You never know what delicious and healthy meal you’ll create next!

 

Have questions or would like to register?  Contact Chai at 519-622-6550 ext 220 or cmaybhate@cambridgefoodbank.org