Disclosure: I am a St. Jude Blogger. I recently visited the hospital at no cost in order to facilitate this post
and share about my experiences. All opinions are my own. Thank you for reading!
A few weeks ago, I had the amazing opportunity to get an inside look at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. I say the word amazing, and that just doesn't feel like enough. It can't contain all the feelings and impressions I had when I walked on the St. Jude campus and saw the children and their families, and the doctors and researchers. It's just too much for any one word, but amazing is all I have right now. I'm going to be talking a lot about St. Jude over the next several months, because I have so many things to share about them. I couldn't possibly condense them all into one post.
As part of our blogger tour, one of the very first things we got to do was meet with Executive Chef Miles McMath. Chef McMath is an award winning chef and he's so passionate about the health of the children at St. Jude that I was completely moved. He told us all about his philosophy - it was basic and made perfect sense. Eat real, good food. Know what you're eating. Makes sense right?
He then went on to tell us about the St. Jude Garden. After working in healthcare for many years, I can honestly say I've never heard of any hospital having their own garden. Again, once Chef Miles started explaining the garden it made perfect sense. The patients at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital often don’t have much of an appetite while undergoing treatment , yet they need important nutrients to help their bodies heal. In order to get them the healthiest, freshest food possible, Chef Miles created an on-campus garden to provide a continuous supply of fresh vegetables year round.
Left photo courtesy of St. Jude - Chef McMath tending to the St. Jude Garden. Right photo taken by Ruth of Viva Veltoro - a spring roll made with fresh ingredients that were harvested that morning from the St. Jude Garden.
The organic garden is composed of 59 raised gardening beds, a greenhouse, and hoop houses. There are several volunteers, many of whom are hospital employees, that give their time by planting, mulching, weeding, watering, and harvesting crops seven days a week. The garden helps ensure that the meals being served in Kay Kafé (the cafeteria at St. Jude, named Kay Kafé by Sterling Jewelers, who donated $16 million for its renovation), are farm fresh. Since the food from the garden has to travel less than 100 yards from the ground to the kitchen, the nutritional value is preserved for the patients, families, faculty, and staff who eat there. Not only does having the on-campus garden provide super fresh organic food, packed with vitamins and minerals, it provides a great cost savings for the hospital, which runs on donations from families just like yours and mine.
Chef McMath and Karen Smith, a Registered Dietician and the Nutrition Project Coordinator at St. Jude, went on explain how tricky it can be to ensure that the children at St. Jude are well nourished. An unfortunate side effect of chemotherapy is that it affects the way food smells and tastes. The chemo also affects body composition and patients experience muscle mass changes. It's imperative to improve their nutritional status at the time of diagnosis and to keep them eating so that they can heal; that's why they do everything in their power to meet the needs of these children. Whether it's making their grandmother's recipe for mac and cheese, or having a "make your own pizza" party in the Kay Kafé kitchen, the staff members at St. Jude are wonderfully accommodating and patient.
Since chemo can wreak havoc on the appetite and taste buds, Karen and her colleague Kristy Gibbons began to brainstorm how to entice their justifiably picky eaters to eat. Not only that, how could they get the most nutritionally dense foods into them? Three years ago they came up with idea for the perfect treat - small in portion, fun in shape and color, tart in taste, and packed with nutritional value. Their first prototype was a gummy worm, but over time and with the help of Hope Luka (a student employee), they created Sour Gems. These tart treats come in all sorts of fun shapes, are made to order (since they have a short shelf life), and are delivered to the patient's bedside in less than an hour!
Sour Gems are packed with calories, protein and fat, and a serving of only 5 or 6 pieces can provide 250+ calories! That's equivalent to one can of commercially made liquid supplements. The Sour Gems are going over so well with the patients at St. Jude, they're even working on getting the recipe patented so that they can bring it to the masses and help people outside of St. Jude too.
After I listened to how important the nutritional quality of food is to these children, I started thinking about the foods that I'm feeding my own son. Thankfully, he is healthy and thriving, but admittedly he eats a lot of "junk". He's a picky eater, has a lot of issues with consistency, and has never been willing to east fresh fruits or vegetables. He does love purees though, so I am able to give him several servings or fruits and vegetables in pouches throughout the day, but I really want to do better for him. Everyday I'm working on it little by little. Trying new, nutritionally valuable foods. He doesn't always eat them, but it's a work in progress. This is just one small way that the visit to St. Jude has changed me. There are so many others, and I will be getting to those soon.
Want to learn more about St. Jude and how you can help?
Please visit the St. Jude website to learn more about this wonderful organization, how no child ever has to pay for any of the care they received there, and how you can help. You can also connect with them on Facebook, and follow them on Twitter and Instagram.
Megan Sutliff says
Wow, I think it is so amazing that they have their own organic garden...that is just so unheard of, but really really great to have! Those sour gems were definitely another great idea! St. Judes is sounds even more amazing!
Ruth V. says
Thanks for your comment Megan! I thought I knew about St. Jude and what they do there, but it was just the tip of the iceberg. There are so many wonderful things happening there! Can't wait to share more about them!
Amanda - RunToTheFinish says
it was so amazing to learn about all of this!! I love that you are becoming a st jude hero!!
sidenote - did yow know your twitter share button tags @jetpack and not you?
Ruth V. says
Thanks Amanda, I'm super excited to raise awareness and funds for St. Jude!
I fixed that tag issue too - thanks for letting me know!
Sherry Compton says
I think it's amazing all the work St. Jude's does. I am just realizing how much they impact, and I think it is great when organizations get involved to help. There are so many sick people and sad stories, and it's good to know that people care about them and that they have places to go to for help.
ANN*H says
This is a great idea to get started with healthier eating from vegetables that are planted in a garden.
St. Judes is a wonderful hospital that helps children , free of charge. Thanks to them children can be helped
Beeb Ashcroft says
So excited for you doing this 5K! Fab recap and great meeting you!
Lindsey G says
This is so amazing. I'm so glad you had the opportunity to see St. Jude's so personally and I can't wait to hear more about what you learned. It's one organization that my family makes sure to support and I will definitely be cheering you on in the 5k!
Elle (@CleverlyChangin) says
The garden was a fascinating concept and so rewarding for the patients, it was great to have an opportunity to read about your experience. St. Jude is really one amazing place.
Susan S., TN says
They St. Jude already does so much for these families that it is even more wonderful to know that they are even concerned that the foods the children are eating are good for them. It's wonderful to see the extra step that they go for these children..
Amy Hall says
I love hearing they have real food available to them
Jade G says
St Jude's does such good work. I'm so glad to see you feature them and to raise awareness for them. 🙂
Rachel C says
Who knew St. Jude could get any more awesome!! Focusing on nutrition is such a smart idea.
Best of luck on your 5K!
Jessica Burrelli says
I had the same problem your son has when I was a child! Thankfully I was more courageous in my teens and learned which fruits and veggies I liked. Texture is still a huge thing for me though, and veggies tasted extremely bitter to me as a child, with the exception of carrots! I dont know why but I loved them, still do! St. Judes is a wonderul place, it's a sad thing that they have to deal with, but they give thousands of children and families hope. Many charities you really need to research to see where your dollars are going, but St. Judes is not one of them. The benefit to these children is obvious. Admirable!
Amy Hall says
The sour gems idea ois wonderful!
Jayne says
Simply amazing! I try making a small donation every year, it's nice to hear some of the things that money goes towards. (:
Brenda P says
Wow! I had no idea that they did these things for their patients! The garden is awesome! Even cooler is that they took the time to develop those special snacks to help the kids get what they need in a yummy way. We could all learn something from the Sour Gems!
jenn huey says
I absolutely love the idea of a hospital having its own garden. What a great way to ensure the healthy eating of its patients. I have supported St. Jude in the past with donations and believe it a worthy cause
Shayna Brookman says
This is really great !!! St. Jude does a lot of great things for sick children.
amanda maxwell says
That's pretty awesome that they have their own garden and have cooks to help cater to the needs of the children.
Hey Jen says
Wow that's awesome. I guess I really don't know much about St. Judes. I'm definitely going to have to look into them further and see if there is one in my area. Would love to donate some time in their garden.
Christy Leeper says
St. Jude's is awesome. I donate the fronts of my Christmas cards to them every year.
Daniela Tapia says
Same here ! Never seen a hospital with its own garden to help its patients ! Indeed its the best idea and hopefully the patients are enjoying their fresh veggies. Going through chemo is very tough and I myself remember how hard it was when one of my cousins went through chemo and she wouldnt eat and just felt nasuseas throughout the day. How awesome is St Jude Hospital !!
Glad patients health is their #1 priotity !!
serena says
Wow - I knew St. Jude's was an amazing organization but their dedication to making sure the kids get the proper nutrition is inspiring.
Sarah Elyce says
I wish you the best of luck in your fundraising efforts, you have set an admirable goal for yourself. I hope you reach it!
Amy Hall says
Love that they grow the food they use
Andrea May says
Wow! That is so awesome! Think of all the benefits everyone gets out of this! Eating healthy, organic foods can do wonders against cancers and diseases. How exciting!!!
Em Ma says
What a wonderful organization! I knew about St. Jude, but I hate no idea they had their own garden or Sour Gems. Very interesting!
lucia perez says
St. Jude's is such a great organization. They do so much for the kiddos they help. Everyone who contributes to this organization is being an angel for a little kiddo.
jenn huey says
I love how they are able to finance the care of so many needy children and put the families up in rooms close to the hospital when they have come from out of state
Cheryl Rahkonen says
I learned a lot about St. Jude's from your article. What an amazing and inspiring staff they have at their hospital. If all of us could give a little of our time and resources like the staff, what a wonderful world we would have.
abedabun dawn says
Thats amazing! I never knew they planted their own veggies! I am in awe! St Judes is a life line for so many children and they just keep making it better. Thank you St. Jude!
Lara Clinton says
That's so neat that they are so dedicated to the holistic health of the kids at St. Jude -- their nourishment and raising their spirits too!
Sarah C says
Wow, love that they have an organic garden
Amy Hall says
More hospitals should follow their lead!
lucia perez says
I wish that we lived closer to a St. Jude's so we could volunteer our time.
LB says
What a great thing they are doing! I have heard about nutrition dense meal bars and such used in other nations, but I wouldn't even think about it for cancer patients. that is pretty awesome, and I ma sure having it be like a candy makes the kids more willing to eat it.
Kayla Nugent says
St. Judes is a wonderful place. The things that go on and are happening are just beyond what I could have imagined! I'm glad to be a supporter for them, it is a great cause!
Megan Loop says
Those sour gems are such a great idea. There are so many things you don't even think of that these kids would appreciate.
Amy Hall says
St. Jude's dream home sweeps is open, we have one in our area!
Kelly S says
Thats amazing that St Jude's does so much to promote health for their patients. I wish more hospitals would take note and follow the same path
Annette Herbst says
Thank you for sharing this I have been a supporter of St. Jude's for years they are a wonderful org.
lucia perez says
I think its great how the people that work there and volunteer really care about the patients well being.
Lisa R says
I have donated to them s few times, such a great hospital so I hear
sibabe64 at ptd dot net
Kylie M. says
Love what St. Jude's does for families!
Beth Ann says
Aww, that's really a great thing for kids! It's such a terrible thing to be put in the situation where you NEED St. Jude, but it's so great to know it's there if we ever need it. We really need to be thankful for the healthy children we have, and do more than just pray (like donate!) for children who aren't as lucky.
gianna borden says
i love this! i am a huge supporter of st. judes and everything they do!!! 🙂
Sarah Elyce says
I love their idea for the Sour Gems and that they are working on providing it for other patients outside of their hospital.
Kylie M. says
Great project! Get everyone involved!
Roberta says
good luck !this is amazing.
Jeanine says
We donate to St Jude all the time. They're a great organization with life changing results. I love that they treat kids for free- what a witness!!
Christina VanGinkel says
Great article...St. Judes is by far the most helpful organization for families with children in need of medical care that they might not get otherwise...did not know about the garden!
Sarah Elyce says
I love how you integrated what you were gathering from this experience and bringing it back to your own life with your child. It is always great of us to reflect, and then apply that to our lives. Awesome!
Jayne says
I love hearing about all they do. It lets me know my money is being used for great things! (:
Ashley Letson says
The Sour Gems are a great idea for the kids! When my son is sick I always try to get him a fun way to get the essentials he needs!
Aurora P says
It's amazing how many people work in benefit of others. Thanks for this article.
Kylie M. says
I'm sure the fun shapes of the Sour Gems help get those calories to the kiddos!
Amy Hall says
I love hearing a little more details about St. Jude, more than I've caught in the past from radio ads for raising money and such.
Sarah Elyce says
It is very impressive that they have their own garden. I really love that also.
Jeanine Hall says
So wonderful that st. Judea has so much more to offer than most know. If you need to be there you deserve to have special extras
Jeanine says
I wish I had had some Sour Gems when my hubby had cancer treatment. He lost a lot of weight.
Kylie M. says
that spring roll looks good
Sam Minor says
This is so wonderful!! The things that St. Jude does are just beyond words. I have donated multiple times & went on a trip with a group of therapy dogs. They just amaze me 🙂
Jeanine says
St Jude does so many nice things for their kids (from what I've heard, "their kids" is how they treat them).
Roberta says
This is so inspirational 🙂
Amy Hall says
IT sounds as though they try to make it more like home as possible.
Sarah Elyce says
I love that you are showcasing such a great place and set of people. Good luck in your fundraising efforts!
Kyla Stevenson says
I've heard a lot of wonderful things about St.Jude. Thank you for sharing some great information.
Kylie M. says
St. Jude's is always doing great thing like this!
Jeanine says
I love the garden they have. It's a really healthy option- especially for children whose health is compromised.
Mippy/Sabrina says
WOW! Their own organic garden and a sweet/tart treat to get nutrition into their pickiest patients. LOVE! I had no idea they did stuff like this. A very informative and interesting post for me to read.
Kylie M. says
lots to do in a garden like this. wish I could help
rachel jenkins says
I think this is such a wonderful idea!!!we need more people like this in the world
Cassandra Davis says
St. Jude is incredible, they go above and beyond expectations!
Chelsie R says
I love everything about this! My fiancé is named after St. Jude, and I always love reading what they're up to. They always surprise me!
Kaycee @ My Crafty Zoo says
I've actually known some little ones who were helped greatly by St. Jude's. We donate whenever we can.
Cathy C says
Thank you for the interesting information on St Jude's Children Research Hospital...it is a cause near to all of our hearts.
kathy pease says
I have always seen their commercial but never really knew the extent to ALL the good things they do. What a great and caring place 🙂
kaitlin says
St. Judes is so amazing! Love that they do everything they can.
Melissa Stephens says
Wow this is amazing!! You doing this the 5k and just the promoting for St.Jude is awesome! You should be very proud!! St. Judes I of course know for their amazing care of children but I knew nothing about the organic garden that makes them even more amazing!! It's great to know that people that are going though sickness, illness and hard times have St.Jude and people like you supporting them and helping in any way they can! xo I really enjoyed this! Thank you!!
Kara mishmash says
Wow that garden is the smartest thing I've heard in quite some time and you are amazing for getting involved with St Jude 🙂
Anne Stewart says
St Jude's is amazing. What a great organization!
christy colln says
these are awesome 🙂 they have a lot of benefits!
Tiffany Wirth says
Such a good idea for having a garden there. I think everyone should try to have one if they have the space.
Amber Ludwig says
I love St Jude and all that they stand for!! You are so great for shining a spotlight on them and getting the word out!! I feel like so many people think it's all "hype" how great they are!! Its absolutely amazing what they do for families and children fighting awful diseases. Oh and those Sour gems look delicious!
sharon b says
i love that they have an organic garden. the idea of sour gems is brilliant. i love how much detail they are putting into anything to help their patients feel better.
Shelly F says
The St. Jude Garden is truly amazing.
Michael Lambert says
This is awesome and such a great ideal! I have been going to MD Anderson for cancer and it breaks my heart seeing the kids. Chemo is very hard on the body and I can't imagine my child going through it.
Lily Kwan says
The St. Jude Garden looks very useful and important. Thanks for sharing!