Written by Foundling Guest Blogger, Madeline Rizzuti, RDN

 

The New York Foundling provides an abundance of residential services to individuals with developmental disabilities to make sure they are happy, healthy and well taken care of! This includes having Registered Dietitians as part of their interdisciplinary medical team. Registered Dietitians address clinical nutrition needs for treating treat heart disease, diabetes, obesity and other medical conditions.

 

The New York Foundling’s team of Dietitians teaches staff how to prepare healthy meals, offers smarter ways to shop for groceries, tips for dining out and how to follow a meal plan. Our Dietitians travel across the five boroughs of New York City, as well as, Westchester County, Spring Valley and Port Jervis. They visit Foundling homes and perform cooking demonstrations, check in on clients, and answer questions on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

 

We have all heard the term ‘Registered Dietitian’ before, but also ‘Nutritionist’… so what’s the difference? And why does the Foundling have Registered Dietitians?

 

A Registered Dietitian is a health care professional with specialized training that includes a bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics, followed by 1,200 hours of supervised practical training in different hospital and community settings. Registered Dietitians have met national standards including a registration examination. A Nutritionist has not completed the specific education requirements of a Registered Dietician but can make helpful recommendations on eating a balanced diet.

 

Maddie Rizzuti, RDN, Carlye Husserl, RDN, CDN, and Jacqueline Aizen, RDN, CDN, each bring a different flavor and perspective to the team:

 

• Carlye is the Director of Food & Nutrition Services and has been working at The Foundling for four years. She loves creating and testing new recipes for Foundling homes. Carlye’s dedication and passion for her work was recognized in April during Staff Appreciation Day where she received the 2016 Mission Award.

 

• Maddie is a foodie and lover of cooking who established an interest in working with individuals with developmental disabilities after interning at the Foundling in 2014.

 

• Jacqueline is the newest team member, and brings a holistic wellness approach to the team.

 

Click here to read Maddie’s previous guest blog post about buying local produce!

 

Last night the Administration for Children’s Services celebrated foster parents across New York City. One special foster parent recognized was a woman from The Foundling who opens her home to kids in our care.

 

Deborah became a foster parent with The Foundling in 2012. Previously she fostered children with Jewish Board Caring Families, where she provided care for youth for 15 years. Deborah also works for the Department of Education as a principal at PK4. Since getting involved with The Foundling, Deborah has focused on bringing in children from our Treatment Family Foster Care department. She embodies the mission of The Foundling by providing excellent service, compassion to the children and family that she serves, as well as dignity to the children placed in her care. Deborah has provided stability and love to many children and youth—her dedication is always evident to others. Children in her home gain a sense of stability and comfort in having a set routine.

 

Deborah ensures the children in her home receive tutoring and encourages them to pursue their passions, hobbies and interests.

Frequenting local farmers markets and buying foods from community-supported agriculture sites allows you to support local businesses and sustainable practices while promoting good health in your home at the same time. Search the internet for local farmers markets near you. You may be surprised just how many there are!

Buying local and seasonal is a great way to ensure that the foods you’re buying are fresh and full of nutritious vitamins and minerals. Take a look at some of the popular seasonal spring produce items below:

• Apricots, Artichokes, Avocado and Asparagus
• Broccoli
• Carrots and Chives
• Fava Beans and Fennel
• Honeydew
• Leeks
• Mangoes
• Peas, Pineapples and Potatoes
• Watercress

Not all of these items can necessarily be grown in New York or the surrounding area, but buying in-season still means less time from farm to table. Attending a market is also a lovely way to spend time outside on a nice day. Bring children and family members to involve them in meal planning and to spark their interest in healthy foods!  So go, get out there and connect with your community all while purchasing locally cultivated delicious foods!


To read Madeline’s blog from last month, please click here!

 

*Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The New York Foundling, its funders, regulators, donors and/or employees.
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Madeline Rizzuti is a Registered Dietitian and Diabetes Education Counselor working for the Developmental Disabilities Division of the New York Foundling. She is a New York native who loves to cook and travel the world tasting new flavors.

 

Keeping children safe, healthy and with their families is the ultimate goal at The New York Foundling. We dedicate and focus our time, energy and resources to create strong and stable households and communities. Through our preventative services, at-risk families are given the tools they need to succeed and stay together. And in the event that a child needs to enter the foster care system, it’s important to have loving and supportive foster parents who can provide a safe and stable environment while Foundling case planners and social workers find a permanent solution for the child.

 

May is National Foster Care Month. At The Foundling, we look for foster parents who will serve as positive role models, help children adjust with separation and emotional trauma, and provide the kids in their care with love, support and stability.

 

Sherrie F. is a foster parent with The Foundling has raised five children of her own. Currently she is the foster parent to her two grandchildren, ages 5 and 8.

“Encouragement is the best motivation a child can experience. I believe in rewarding with kindness, love and encouragement,” explains Sherrie.

 

The landscape of foster parents in New York City is changing. Many times, children are able to stay with a relative (e.g., an aunt, uncle or grandparent) while their parent gets the help they need. This is the case with Sherri and her two grandchildren. Foster parents are also single parents or young parents in their late 20s or early 30s. Older adults are opening up their homes as well.

 

The Foundling always welcomes new foster parents. If you would like to open your heart and your home to a child, teenager or set of siblings, please take the first step and learn more about becoming a Foster Parent here.

 

 

Written by Foundling Guest Blogger, Madeline Rizzuti, RDN

 

Spring cleaning can be a cathartic, fun exercise and activity. We go through our closets, underneath our beds, maybe in the garage or attic to purge our homes of old or unwanted items. Sometimes we even find things long forgotten, and it’s like getting a new gift! A thorough home clean-up shouldn’t end there! Break out the Brillo and some rubber gloves, and get into that kitchen of yours.

 

You’re on a roll! Don’t stop now! Clean all the nooks and crannies of your cabinets, drawers, appliances, and counter tops. Sanitize all surfaces and make sure the space is completely clean of all food crumbs to prevent bacterial growth or unwanted pests. If your freezer is packed tight with freezer burn, take the time to fully defrost and clean it out.

 

Take this opportunity to Spring Clean your family’s diet as well!

 

Throw away any expired, old or unused items that you know will just continue to collect dust.

 

Get rid of any leftover treats or candies from winter holidays.

 

Restock with zero calorie beverages like Crystal Light, flavored seltzer, and unsweetened iced tea to have when the warm weather rolls in!

 

While you’re at it, what better time than spring to load up on beautiful fresh fruits and veggies coming into season each month? Some springtime seasonal produce includes collard greens, citrus fruits, artichokes, strawberries, and mangos among many others!

 

Clear your pantry of packaged, canned and other processed products leaves room for more fresh and whole foods that are lower in sodium and calories.

 

 

So go ahead and Spring Clean your Kitchen this season!

 

To read Madeline’s blog from last month, please click here!

 

*Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The New York Foundling, its funders, regulators, donors and/or employees.