Nourishment Beyond the Plate
Kelly’s Kitchen has been facilitating our first Nourishment Beyond the Plate cohort in St. Helena Island, South Carolina June - September 2024 thanks to funding from the Feeding Innovation Program, an initiative of Clemson University’s Cooperative Extension.
To check out the impact our program has on communities and individuals, check out the video below:
What is Nourishment Beyond the Plate?
Nourishment Beyond the Plate is a program through Kelly’s Kitchen (a 501c3 non-profit organization) that facilitates a four-month series. This series provides participants with cooking instruction, ingredients, kitchen supplies, and independent living skill building for community members with disabilities. We pride ourselves on creating a program that focuses on the intersection of food justice and disability justice, with intentional thought put into cultural competency in the recipes chosen .
This program provides community members with disabilities with the resources, skills, confidence, and hands-on application practice to create accessible kitchen spaces in their home and build self-reliance to make healthy one-pot recipes to nourish themselves, their family, and their friends.
All participants will be provided with an accessible cooking kit that includes:
a 10-pack variety of cooking utensils
an induction cooktop
A large, high-sided pan with a lid for multi-purpose cooking
A cutting board (accessible cutting boards available upon request)
A rocker knife
Tablespoon and teaspoon measuring spoons
An oversized backpack to keep their kitchen utensils in OR use to pack them up and bring during a natural disaster or emergency where someone may need to temporarily relocate
2-pack set of eazy grip holders that can be placed on utensils
All participants will receive their cooking kit and an overview of how to use the provided kitchen tools. Cooking classes can be provided virtually over Zoom or in-person depending on the partner organization we are working with and their facility capabilities.
Kelly’s Kitchen will collaborate with local culinary programs or caterers to ensure that ingredients for all meals are sourced locally, prepared by individuals with ServSafe certificate in a commercial kitchen, and delivered to participants to barriers to participation and resource access.
Nourishment Beyond the Plate is more than a food delivery service or option to receive accessible kitchen tools and equipment. This program helps build confidence and skill building when it comes to meal preparation; an essential skill needed for independence.
To access Nourishment Beyond the Plate recipes click here to visit our Resources page - find the heading “Nourishment Beyond the Plate Recipes”.
To access the Nourishment Beyond the Plate YouTube playlist, click here.
To access the Nourishment Beyond the Plate kit utensil list with links to purchase them, you can find that on our Kitchen Tools and Equipment section of the website, by clicking here.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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We have structured Nourishment Beyond the Plate to be inclusive of most disabilities in the way we have thought through the cooking classes and instructions (both virtually and in-person) as well as in the way that we have recorded cooking classes and tips that can be followed and easily referred back to on our Kelly's Kitchen YouTube channel.
We also have put a lot of thought into the structure of recipes and how they utilize plain language by ensuring that each step of the cooking class is one simple step before moving on. We have also put consideration and accessibility at the forefront of the selection of kitchen utensils in the Nourishment Beyond the Plate kit to make sure that the resources selected are as user-friendly as possible or can be adapted to be user-friendly. This is also why we bought a backpack that can fit all the utensils - so it is portable for people who may need to carry the backpack on a wheelchair or who use crutches or walking aids where a backpack can evenly distribute weight when being carried.
Below is a list of our kitchen utensil kit and how we thought about accommodations and accessibility of those items.
a 10-pack variety of cooking utensils = all utensils are color-coded so for those who do not know what the different types of utensils are (spoon, slotted spoon, spatula, tongs, etc.) we can refer to the color as a reference point for someone to learn different types of utensils. All are dishwasher friendly.
an induction cooktop = this induction cooktop is small and compact with large buttons and large print on the buttons. This induction cooktop can be easily placed on any surface, at any height - which is great for someone in a wheelchair or of shorter stature. Another benefit of this induction cooktop (and most induction cooktops) are that they do not emit heat, so for someone who has a disability where they get overheated easily and that could cause a serious medical issue or concern, this cooktop alleviates that risk and concern. The large buttons and large font also makes this sa great option for someone who is low vision or who has an intellectual or developmental disability where easy-to-read and easy-to-find buttons are a benefit. There is also space on this induction cooktop to add raised dots and buttons that people who are blind can utilize to know which buttons perform different functions. The cooktop also does not get hot unless the right kind of pan is set on top of it, which is a safety measure.
A large, high-sided pan with a lid for multi-purpose cooking = the high sided pan allows for all different kinds of items to be cooked in it; pasta, soups, one-pot dishes, sauteing vegetables, etc. It has a lot of uses and purposes. This pan has a handle on both sides, which makes it easier to carry and distributes the weight. The handles do not get hot when the pan is on the induction cooktop, which also is a safety feature for participants learning to cook.
A cutting board (accessible cutting boards available upon request) = this cutting board is dishwasher friendly and textured so that it will not slip on any surface type. This creates a safe place to cut different types of foods. It is also lightweight and easy to pick up and utilize. For those who need a more accessible cutting board, like someone who is missing a limb or has decreased motor strength or fine motor skills, there is a cutting board that has suction cups on the bottom to adhere to a work surface, as well as a section with "spikes" to place produce on and cut easier, as well as a section that will wedge a foot item into it like a vice so it can be held securely while the item is cut with one hand. Both versions of the cutting board are dishwasher safe.
A rocker knife = a rocker knife is one that looks like a half circle, or like a rocker leg of a rocking chair or rocking horse. The purpose of this knife is to make it easier to cut items because it can be kept on the cutting surface and rocked back and forth to cut. The handle is also much easier to grip, it is wide so does not necessitate fine motor skills, and texture is easy to hold onto. The rocker knife also comes with a stand that it can set into when not in use and stay on the counter top for a safe way to store when not in use. This stores with the blade side down resting in the stand. The rocker knife is dishwasher safe as well.
Tablespoon and teaspoon measuring spoons = there are two different versions of these that can come with the kit pending availability. One version has a magnet where it can be kept on the refrigerator, making it easy to find. The other is a more traditional set of measuring spoons that are color coded and have the measurement amount displayed in large font on the bottom. Both are dishwasher safe, however the latter option would be better for someone with low vision, no vision, or who has a developmental or intellectual disability and needs these measuring cups to be separated out and easy to label and find. This is because they can be labelled differently and are different colors, making it easier to determine which measuring cup is what amount. The first option is more of an "all-in-one" option and does have smaller font, however this option decreases the amount of space needed in a kitchen to store items. There are benefits to both. The measuring Tablespoons and teaspoons are easy to determine with large font on them as well in the latter option.
An oversized backpack to keep their kitchen utensils in OR use to pack them up and bring during a natural disaster or emergency where someone may need to temporarily relocate = this is a large 38L, 15 inch size backpack to accommodate all of the cooking equipment and make it as easy as possible to transport all cooking utensils. The color chosen is a purple-pink color to make it easy to spot quickly for those with low vision.
Easy Hold Handles = These come in different sizes to fit infants, toddlers, teens, children to elderly hands or limbs. They put the tool in hand or limb and against the skin for better perception of the weight, vibration, temperature and texture of the object. Easy Hold Handles are made of soft, stretchy silicone which warms to skin temperature and does not need to be tight on the hand to support the item. They are also easy to clean and can be put in the dishwasher.
We do want to make a blanket statement that not all of these resources are going to be a good fit for every person and every disability due to the unique nature that having a disability poses. One person could find this kit to be very inclusive and accessible, while someone else with the same disability diagnosis does not. However, we have made intentional decisions about what to include in the kit and how to make it appeal to as many people as possible.
You can also find a lot of this information (and more - including a professional video created about Nourishment Beyond the Plate) on our website under "Programs". The direct link is: https://www.kellys-kitchen.org/nourishment-beyond-the-plate
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All participants will be provided with an accessible cooking kit that includes:
a 10-pack variety of cooking utensils
an induction cooktop
A large, high-sided pan with a lid for multi-purpose cooking
A cutting board (accessible cutting boards available upon request)
A rocker knife
Tablespoon and teaspoon measuring spoons
An oversized backpack to keep their kitchen utensils in OR use to pack them up and bring during a natural disaster or emergency where someone may need to temporarily relocate
Easy Hold Handles
Click here to view the list of supplies and how to purchase them from Amazon
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For Nourishment Beyond the Plate, it is essential to have a good relationship with your local community. This will assist you with recruitment of at least 15 people for your NBTP cooking classes (4 classes - we recommend one cooking class per month).
We also suggest figuring out the local food sourcing options in our community that you may already have relationships with or can build relationships with. This includes:
Local caterers who are ServSafe certified and are used to delivering food in the community
Local farms that can source produce for you
Local grocery stores or restaurants that can assist with food sourcing and preparation (and possibly delivery)
Any local culinary programs at colleges or universities in your area that can assist and take some of these tasks on
Kelly's Kitchen can assist in finding partnerships in your community, but we suggest that local organizations build those relationships by finding this information out as well to build sustainability and partnerships.
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We suggest following up with participants post-series after all classes are held to ensure that participants are using the cooking resource kits and continuing to build independent living cooking skills in a way that benefits them. If they have not increased cooking their own meals or using the kits, let's find out why. Is food to difficult to source and obtain to make food? Is there a lack of grocery stores or transportation to fresh foods in their area? Do some of the cooking kit tools not work for them? Do they need additional cooking classes to build confidence? Do they need additional accommodations to be put in place to be able to cook successfully at home?
Kelly's Kitchen is here to assist with figuring these things out, and this is the reason we provide and incorporate 6-months of follow-up technical assistance support to organizations after Nourishment Beyond the Plate is facilitated in a community setting.
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Tentative Budget for Interested Organizations: Suggested Group Size is 15 Participants - $25,200
This budget outlines the projected costs for a program designed for a group of 15 participants, totaling $25,200. The budget breakdown includes the following key components:
Adaptive Cooking Supplies Sourced by Kelly's Kitchen – $10,500
A major portion of the budget is allocated to sourcing specialized cooking supplies that are tailored to meet the needs of the participants.Technical Assistance from Kelly's Kitchen for 6-Months Post-Program Implementation – $6,000
This includes ongoing technical support provided by Kelly's Kitchen after the initial program has ended, extending for a period of six months.Printed One-Pot Recipes and Cooking Instruction from Kelly's Kitchen – $4,500
This amount covers the cost of printed recipes and instructional materials, focused on one-pot cooking, to assist participants in applying their skills beyond the program.Ingredient Meal Sourcing, Prep & Delivery – $4,200
This component covers the cost of sourcing, preparing, and delivering ingredients necessary for the program's cooking sessions. This amount is subject to change depending on the available options in a community and area of the United States. This amount could be higher or could be lower and is subject to change, but this is a price estimate based on two different Nourishment Beyond the Plate prices we have gotten from both Culinary Institute of the South in Beaufort, SC and My Neighborhood Kitchens that is set-up in three locations from Mt. Pleasant, SC to Atlanta and Hapeville, GA.
“The cooking class is the highlight of my week. It’s more than just learning to cook; it's about building friendships and gaining confidence in my abilities. A fantastic experience!”
- Porchia, Nourishment Beyond the Plate Participant
“The instructors are patient and make sure everyone can participate, regardless of their ability level. It's a great place to learn and have fun.”
- Melissa, Nourishment Beyond the Plate Participant
“I cook simple meals. This class helped me use more ingredients and teaches me recipes I can share with my friends. It's truly rewarding."
- Devin, Nourishment Beyond the Plate Participant
“The cooking class has been a wonderful experience for me. I like learning to cook different recipes. I use the pan and other kitchen supplies that were in the backpack.”
- Sylvia, Nourishment Beyond the Plate Participant
“I’m so impressed with Arthur, he has come a long way and he looks forwards to classes. He went from, ‘I don’t cook’ to looking forward to it.”
- Melissa Warren, Training Coordinator at Beaufort County Disabilities and Special Needs