On March 12, 2025, an inspiring and enriching event took place at the HvO Querido Anderlechtlaan 3 location in Amsterdam. The ‘Food as Medicine’ cooking workshop gathered around 12 participants from diverse backgrounds—including Gambia, Ghana, Suriname, Syria, Mali, Egypt, and Morocco—to explore the connection between food and health under the guidance of certified Health & Wellness coach, Pilar Garcia.
One of the central themes of the workshop was Understanding Chronic Inflammation and Healing with Food. Participants learned about ‘smart plate choices’—how to combine nutrient-dense foods for optimal health and disease prevention. Discussions revolved around how small dietary changes can make a significant impact on overall well-being.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a healthy diet plays a critical role in disease prevention and promoting long-term health. WHO reports indicate that unhealthy diets contribute to conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity, while a balanced, nutrient-rich diet can help prevent these illnesses and improve overall well-being.
A Workshop with a Purpose
The event aimed not only to educate participants on the benefits of healthy eating but also to foster social connection, share experiences, and build sustainable habits for a healthier lifestyle. Over the course of two hours, participants engaged in a dynamic session that began with a presentation on the health benefits of a plant-based diet, particularly its role in reducing chronic inflammation. This was followed by an interactive Q&A session, where attendees eagerly discussed their own dietary habits, asking about the benefits of ingredients like turmeric and ginger and seeking advice on managing weight as they age. The workshop then transitioned into a hands-on experience, where participants created their own nutritious rice salad bowls, combining brown rice with fresh vegetables, legumes, and healthy fats such as nuts and avocados. To conclude, everyone gathered for a communal dinner, enjoying soups, rice salads, and fresh fruit—a shared meal that not only highlighted the joy of eating well but also reinforced the power of food in bringing people together.
The workshop received positive feedback from both participants and organizers. Anouk, from HvO Querido administration, shared her enthusiasm, saying, “I think the participants were really happy, and it was well organized. I was so happy they participated, which does not happen often!” Siza, a participant from Syria, also expressed appreciation, adding, “I could see you guys did this with so much love, I had a nice day.” These heartfelt responses underscored the event’s success, not only in providing valuable knowledge but also in creating a warm and welcoming space for meaningful connections.
A Collaborative Effort
This event was part of the Wereld Tafel-HvO Querido project, made possible through a partnership between Road of Hope, HvO Querido, SHE Home Empowerment, and Vluchtelingenwerk. Together, these organizations aim to provide educational and empowering experiences that enhance the well-being of individuals in vulnerable situations.
Looking Ahead: Next Workshop in April
Building on the success of this event, another ‘Food as Medicine’ workshop will take place in April, focusing on Gut Health. This session will be part of the Breath of Hope New West project 2025, with details on location and partners to be announced soon.
Stay tuned for more opportunities to learn, connect, and nourish body and soul!