P3.L236: Cultivating Wellness: Establishing a Hospital-Based Culinary Garden

Background: Hospitalization can be a challenging experience for children, often leading to increased stress and diminished well-being. Integrating therapeutic interventions such as a culinary hospital garden offers a holistic approach to pediatric patient care, addressing both mental and physical health. Garden-based intervention has proven benefits to pediatric mental health regardless of developmental stage and exposes children to nutritional habits. The goal of this advocacy project is to introduce healing experiences and learning opportunities conducted by pediatric residents, CHEF: Culinary Health Education Program, and Child Life services to the hospital community.

Project Description: Baylor College of Medicine – San Antonio Pediatric Residency Program Advocacy Group repurposed the Culinary and Healing Gardens outside of the Christus Children’s Hospital with the goal of improving pediatric patient mental and physical health while providing the opportunity for children and teens to develop interpersonal skills through gardening.

We partnered with a local non-profit, Gardopia Gardens, and CHEF to provide education and resources to pediatric residents and families for the initial planting. Harvesting and subsequent plantings were performed by pediatric residents, families of the community, and hospital staff. Our initiative is to allow the advocacy group to host educational and interactive events for the hospital community quarterly with the goal of creating the garden as a resource of respite for patients admitted to the hospital aided by Child Life services.

Discussion: With garden-based interventions, patients have a chance to develop nutritional knowledge, learn about planting, food preparation, and the importance of fresh, locally grown produce. Supplementing their diets with freshly harvested foods supports their physical recovery and immune function.

Additionally, inpatient pediatric populations have increased risk of developing anxiety and depression. Studies show that children and adolescents regardless of developmental stage have mental health benefits from experiencing the natural elementals of their environment such as greenery, fresh air and sunlight. By providing a green space for patients to engage in horticultural activities, a culinary garden offers a therapeutic escape from the clinical environment.

Texas has the 10th highest obesity rate for children aged 10-17 with 20.7% of these children having obesity with Hispanic and African American children disproportionally affected. Obesity can be managed in macro and micro-level aspects. This garden is considered a micro-level intervention because patients would have direct therapeutic benefits with hands-on experiences.

Conclusion: Establishing a culinary garden at Christus Children’s Hospital aligns with the institution’s commitment to patient-centered care and holistic well-being. By investing in nature-based interventions, we can create a healing environment that fosters resilience and promotes the overall health and happiness of pediatric patients. This advocacy project seeks to integrate pediatric resident educational leadership by providing therapeutic community gardens in a healthcare setting to optimize pediatric patient outcomes in mental and physical wellbeing.