Local Volunteers Nourish Cancer Patients with Comfort Cuisine

The Comfort Cuisine Program, operating at the Dignity Health Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital Community Cancer Center, offers support to cancer patients through freshly prepared meals. Each week, dedicated volunteers prepare nutritious dishes, ensuring that patients undergoing treatment have access to healthy food options.

Volunteers, like Darlene “Dee” Mariani, play a crucial role in this initiative. With a background in the restaurant industry and her experience as a two-time cancer survivor, Mariani understands the significance of nutrition during recovery. “I learned that nutrition and accessibility to prepared meals is important for recovery,” she explains. Now serving as a program captain, Mariani will soon take over leadership from Eric and Jennifer Dahlgren, who revamped the program following the passing of its former leader, Paul Faahs.

Providing Essential Nutrition

The program operates with three captains rotating responsibilities, from meal selection to cooking and delivery. On average, the Comfort Cuisine Program prepares approximately 75 meals each month. According to Emily Phillips, a registered nurse and Nurse Navigator at the Cancer Center, this initiative is vital for the overall wellbeing of patients. She states, “It contributes significantly to the overall wellbeing and recovery of cancer patients by providing convenient, prepackaged, and nutritionist-certified meals.”

The meals, designed to alleviate the burdens of food preparation during treatment, significantly reduce stress for both patients and caregivers. Courtney Merrick, a nutritionist at the center, highlights the challenges cancer patients face, noting that about 40% of them experience malnutrition throughout their treatment. “Cancer patients are unique in that they are not only impacted by the cancer itself but also symptoms and side effects from the treatment, which can be very intense,” Merrick explains.

Favorites and Accessibility

The program focuses on comfort food that meets nutritional standards. Popular dishes include corn chowder, macaroni and cheese, Swedish meatballs, and cheesy chicken parmesan meatballs. Jennifer Dahlgren notes that while new recipes have been introduced, many of Paul Faahs’ classic recipes remain favorites among patients.

Meals are packaged in microwavable, recyclable containers, allowing patients to store leftovers for later. Patients at the SNMH Community Cancer Center can easily access these meals by asking a staff member or volunteer. The meals are stored in a dedicated freezer, ensuring they are available for same-day pick-up.

For many patients, these meals symbolize more than just nourishment. “Patients truly appreciate this program, especially those who are in treatment for extended periods throughout the day,” Phillips says. The program provides warmth and sustenance during a difficult time, offering real stress relief, particularly for those living alone or on limited budgets.

The Comfort Cuisine Program is actively seeking more volunteers and kitchen space to expand their efforts. Those interested in contributing can contact Darlene “Dee” Mariani at 530-913-7396. Funding for the initiative comes from the Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital Foundation and generous local supporters, with donations accepted at supportsierranevada.org/comfort-cuisine.

As the Comfort Cuisine Program continues to nourish both bodies and spirits, its impact on the community remains profound, showcasing the power of kindness and support during challenging times.