Local Zehrs Partnerships Helping CMHA WW Clients Build Skills to Create Nutritious and Economical Meals at Home

A new partnership with the local Zehrs at Stanley Park Mall in Kitchener and at the Imperial location in Guelph is helping Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington clients build skills to create nutritious and economical meals. Clients attending the support coordination program in Guelph and Kitchener and the FACT (Flexible Assertive Community Treatment) team in Kitchener have the opportunity to meet with a registered dietitian at local Zehrs. The program would not be possible without the generosity and support from these Zehrs locations. CMHA WW does not currently have a registered dietitian available for this particular program.

The program includes a tour of the grocery store led by a registered dietitian. The registered dietitian focuses on how to read labels, how to compare prices, where to find discounted food and tricks on saving money, for example what cuts of meat to buy depending on what you are using it for? At the end of the program everyone receives a package of recipes to help prepare meals with the items that were discussed.

“This program is so rewarding as we are able to see participants benefit from the practical experience the grocery store offers, as far as navigating low-cost and nutritious meal and snack ideas,” says Kelly Wood, In-Store Dietitian at Zehrs Imperial.

“It is awesome to be part of a program that equips participants with the knowledge and skills to plan, choose, and prepare nutritious meals and snacks in a practical way,” says Jennifer Shamblaw, In-Store Dietitian at Zehrs Stanley Park.

“This partnership with Zehr’s has provided our clients with an exceptional opportunity not previously available – to build knowledge, capacity, and self confidence in an everyday life skill in a supportive community environment. By addressing the importance of nutrition and how it nurtures our physical and mental well-being, people have become more engaged in their own capacity for self-care,” says Chelsea Crocker, Occupational Therapist with the FACT team at CMHA WW.