Walmart Grant To Enhance Therapeutic Cooking At Kahi Mohala

The Walmart Foundation presented a check to Kahi Mohala Behavioral Health last month. Standing in front of the occupational therapy room for the occasion are (from left) occupational therapist Judy Suarez, Kahi Mohala CEO Leonard Licina, Walmart Waipahu shift manager Ray Griego and store manager Jessica Aina, and Kahi Mohala rehabilitation services manager Lorene Nakagawa. Photo courtesy of Kahi Mohala.

Therapeutic cooking activities just got a boost at Kahi Mohala Behavioral Health, thanks to a $4,000 check from the Walmart Foundation last month.

A Friends of Hawaii Charities grant of $5,000 last year went toward upgrading the cooking demonstration area with a new kitchen island with drawer space, cabinets and a wide countertop.

“With the Walmart money, they hope to purchase some kitchen appliances and patient seating – these will be barstool height so patients can sit around the kitchen island during cooking classes,” said spokeswoman Aubrey Hawk.

The improvements are part of a $30,000 project in the center’s occupational therapy room. The space is used for important life skills and social activities such as art and culinary projects.

In the kitchen area, patients learn about good nutrition, menu planning, shopping on a budget, following a recipe, food safety and handling, and cooking and baking.

Grants are pending for the remaining funds, but the wish list includes a stove and oven.

The nonprofit psychiatric hospital in Ewa Beach treats more than 1,500 children, teens and adults each year for depression, anxiety, eating disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and more.