Volunteers Serve Love Through Meals at Comfort Cuisine Program

The Comfort Cuisine Program is making a significant impact on cancer patients at the Dignity Health Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital Community Cancer Center by providing nutritious meals prepared by local volunteers. Every week, dedicated individuals come together to prepare meals that offer not only sustenance but also a sense of community and support for those undergoing cancer treatment.

The program operates under a straightforward premise: volunteers prepare healthy meals for patients who can pick them up at the Cancer Center for a small donation, which can be waived for those in need. Darlene “Dee” Mariani, a two-time cancer survivor with a background in the restaurant industry, has been a committed volunteer for two years and currently serves as a “captain” of the program. “Nutrition and accessibility to prepared meals are essential for recovery,” she states.

Mariani is set to take over leadership from Eric and Jennifer Dahlgren, who restructured the program following the passing of its previous leader, Paul Faahs. The program now operates with three captains who rotate responsibilities, including meal selection and preparation oversight. Each month, the team prepares approximately 75 meals, all certified by California ServSafe Food Handlers.

Emily Phillips, RN and Nurse Navigator at the Cancer Center, emphasizes the program’s importance, noting that it significantly enhances the overall wellbeing of cancer patients. “Providing convenient, prepackaged, and nutritionist-certified meals reduces the burden of food preparation on patients experiencing fatigue and side effects from treatment,” she explains. This initiative allows caregivers to focus more on providing emotional and practical support.

The positive effects of the program are echoed by Courtney Merrick, MS, RD, a nutritionist at the center. “Cancer patients face unique challenges, including the effects of both the disease and its treatment, which can lead to malnutrition,” she notes. Indeed, research indicates that approximately 40% of cancer patients become malnourished during treatment, making accessible, nutrient-rich meals crucial.

The meals served through the Comfort Cuisine Program include favorites like corn chowder, macaroni and cheese, and Swedish meatballs. While some recipes have been updated in recent years, many remain based on the original collection created by Faahs. Meals are generously portioned and packaged in microwavable, recyclable containers, allowing for easy storage and reheating.

Patients at the Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital Community Cancer Center can easily access the program by speaking with a staff member or volunteer. Meals are stored in a dedicated freezer, enabling patients to take home a meal on the same day. For many, these meals symbolize more than just food; they represent compassion and community support during a challenging time.

“The program alleviates stress for patients, particularly those who may live alone or have limited financial resources,” Phillips adds. Staff and volunteers are able to heat meals for patients undergoing treatment, ensuring they receive warm, nutritious options while at the center.

The Comfort Cuisine Program is currently seeking additional volunteers and a kitchen space for meal preparation. Those interested in contributing can contact Dee Mariani at 530-913-7396. Funding for the program is supported by the Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital Foundation and local donors, with donations accepted at supportsierranevada.org/comfort-cuisine.

Through their unwavering dedication, volunteers are not just providing meals; they are serving love and kindness, making a real difference in the lives of patients facing cancer treatment.