By: Jean Marie Carroll, Program Coordinator for Food As Medicine (FAM).

On Monday, November 17, 2025, the Food As Medicine (FAM) Program held its first Food Recipe Demonstration. This event was done in conjunction with West Chester University’s Nutrition Department and Dietetic Internship Program under the guidance of Dr. Christina Riccardo. FAM’s Community Health Worker (Briana Villagrana), Program Coordinator (Jeannie Carroll), and Equity Health Center Director (Moira Gassenmeyer) were also present to support the event.  This was a live cooking demonstration for Participants in the FAM program. It was held in the Kay Conference Room at the Brandywine Center. Attendance was encouraged but not mandatory.

One Dietetic Intern presented the recipe demonstration, and another Dietetic Intern assisted as needed with the food preparation and cooking. The FAM Community Health Worker translated the information during the demonstration for Spanish speaking Attendees. Dr. Riccardo provided oversight to the Dietetic Interns throughout the cooking demonstration. The planned meal was a White Bean Chili.  The Dietetic Intern chose chili for the meal because it used easily accessible foods that Participants could get at the local food distribution site. Additionally, it provided a healthy, well balanced, but hearty and flavorful meal. A perfect fall recipe! To complement the chili, the Dietetic Intern also offered an avocado crema made with Greek yogurt that packed extra creaminess and protein.

Attendees observed and tasted the prepared food. They also received a recipe handout* with the nutritional information.  As the Attendees and event Team shared in sample bowls of the prepared White Bean Chili, the atmosphere was like sharing a meal together. Individuals commented on the flavor of the chili and its spiciness (or insufficient spiciness!) as well as the avocado crema as a complement to the chili. Participants also shared soups that they like to make and “tips” on using different kinds of vegetables in their cooking.  When asked if they would like to see future cooking classes, they did express an interest. Stay tuned for FAM upcoming events in 2026!

(*Materials were available in English and Spanish)