Something smells good at Parkwood Institute

The hallways of the Finch Family Mental Health Care Building at Parkwood Institute have been smelling delicious —thanks to Let’s Get Cookin’, a hands-on program that is helping mental health inpatients learn practical cooking skills while also supporting their recovery journey.  

The five-week program, which sees participants meet weekly in small groups, was developed by the Middlesex-London Health Unit and adopted by St. Joseph’s. Mental health inpatients work their way through lessons on food safety, knife skills, using small appliances and creating nutritious meals.

“At St. Joseph’s, we believe that food is medicine,” says Holly Davey, a dietitian at Parkwood Institute Mental Health Care. “Cooking with fresh ingredients helps patients build confidence, feel more independent and connect with their health.”

Each session introduces a new dish, from hearty stews and chili to quesadillas, salads and even recipes that use seasonal produce from Parkwood Institute’s on-site Nourish Garden. For many participants, cooking can feel overwhelming at first but working in a supportive environment helps reduce anxiety and builds a sense of accomplishment.

Jess Black, a speech-language pathologist at Parkwood Institute, sees the program as an opportunity for patients to grow beyond the kitchen.  

“My role is to help participants develop functional communication skills, like reading and following multi-step recipes, collaborating with peers, and building cognitive-linguistic skills such as organization and time management,” Jess explains.

Let’s Get Cookin’ has also shown benefits for individuals with eating disorders, offering a space for food exposure without pressure.

A memorable moment came when a patient who struggled with eating in front of others not only cooked with unfamiliar ingredients but also tasted the dish alongside her peers. After the session, she told staff, “I’m really proud of myself today.”

The program is currently led by registered nurse Stephanie Snow, dietitian Holly Davey and speech pathologist Jess Black and is supported by multiple health care professionals who are excited to watch the program grow and the benefits it will provide for inpatients.

With every recipe and skill mastered by patients, Let’s Get Cookin’ is serving up more than just meals—it’s nourishing confidence, connection and recovery at Parkwood Institute.