Newton-Wellesley News
A recipe for healthy eating Community Health keeps food and nutrition front of mind
“How many of you like to cook?” Emma Steinberg, MD, a chef and NewtonWellesley pediatric hospitalist, posed that question to 30 middle schoolers at the start of a special cooking event at the Waltham Boys and Girls Club late last summer. Many quickly raised their hands, and several chimed in with what they like to make—and eat. NWH Community Health’s Lauren Lele and Commie Ayuk joined Dr. Steinberg in leading the fun event, with generous support from the hospital’s Nutrition and Food Services team.
“I wish we all had more opportunities for this kind of safe and communal sharing of food and culture.” Emma Steinberg, MD, chef and Newton-Wellesley pediatric hospitalist
Together, they guided the kids in learning how to make three nutritious snacks for their fellow summer campers: home-baked tortilla chips, black bean dip, and green smoothies. In prepping the smoothie’s ingredients, the comments kept flying. “It smells so fresh.” “So delicious.” They combined ripe banana, pears, grapes, and oranges with spinach and chopped kale. When it came to tasting, one boy exclaimed “I called next!” Even a skeptic wondered, “Can I have more?” The drivers of health To Lauren Lele, MPA, CAVS, Senior Director of Community Health and Volunteer Services, the event was a natural extension of both the hospital’s relationship building and a strong commitment to food access. “Nutrition security and equity needs to be front of mind,” she emphasizes. It’s part of “looking at the drivers of keeping people healthy and a priority for both NWH and Mass General Brigham as a whole.” She sees a growing understanding of the impact of nutrition on community well-being. Along with that has come not only a focus on access to food but also more awareness of culturally relevant foods. “Many people don’t think of food access as an issue around here,” notes Lauren. “It is.” While the prevalence may vary across communities, “it’s an issue everywhere.”
22 Fall/Winter 2023
