Tackling the Obesity Crisis for People diagnosed with Developmental Disabilities

ISLAPre-ISLASunlit KitchenSunlit Circle
Written By Sunnyhill

Empowerment in Every Step: Reflecting on Our Summer of Growth

As summer begins to wind down, we find ourselves reflecting on the incredible moments of growth, learning, and community that have filled these months. From our exciting new initiatives to stories of empowerment, this August newsletter is packed with updates that showcase the transformative power of our collective efforts.

In this edition of The Sunlit Path, we’re shining a spotlight on our commitment to tackling some of the most pressing challenges facing our community. Whether it’s addressing the obesity crisis among individuals with developmental disabilities or launching innovative programs like the Sunlit Kitchen, we are driven to light the path to empowered living for individuals diagnosed with developmental disabilities.

We also have some exciting events on the horizon, opportunities for you to get involved, and new ways to make a lasting impact. Your support and involvement are what make all of this possible, and we’re so grateful to have you with us on this journey.

Tackling the Obesity Crisis for People diagnosed with Developmental Disabilities

The growing obesity crisis among individuals with developmental disabilities is exacerbated by food insecurity and inflation, impacting access to healthy meals. Here's an overview of the situation:

Obesity and Developmental Disabilities

  • Higher Risk: Individuals diagnosed with developmental disabilities are at a higher risk for obesity compared to their peers without disabilities. This is due to factors like limited physical activity, medication side effects, and dietary challenges.

Food Insecurity

  • Increased Vulnerability: People diagnosed with developmental disabilities often face food insecurity due to financial constraints, limited access to fresh foods, and reliance on public transportation, which can restrict shopping options.

  • Impact of Inflation: Rising food prices have worsened food insecurity, making it harder for individuals and families to afford nutritious meals. Inflation has led to increased reliance on cheaper, less healthy food options.

Health Implications

  • Chronic Health Conditions: The combination of obesity and food insecurity contributes to higher rates of chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular issues among individuals with developmental disabilities.

  • Nutritional Deficiencies: Diets high in processed foods and low in fresh produce are common, leading to nutritional deficiencies and further health complications.

Solutions and Interventions

  • Assistance Programs: Programs like SNAP and community initiatives aim to improve access to healthy foods for those with disabilities. However, more targeted interventions are needed to address the unique challenges faced by this population.

  • Policy and Research: There is a need for policies that consider the specific needs of individuals diagnosed with developmental disabilities, along with more research into effective interventions to improve food security and health outcomes.

Overall, addressing the intersection of obesity, food insecurity, and developmental disabilities requires comprehensive strategies that include policy changes, community support, and tailored health interventions.

The Impact of Inflation on Healthy Eating

As inflation continues to drive up food prices, maintaining a nutritious diet becomes increasingly challenging, especially for those on fixed incomes. For many in our Independent Living Program, the average monthly food budget is capped at just $200. This tight budget often forces individuals to opt for processed foods, which, while cheaper, are typically high in calories and low in nutritional value.

At Sunnyhill, we’re committed to turning this tide by empowering our community with the tools and knowledge needed to make healthier choices. Through our programs, we provide essential education and support, helping individuals develop better eating habits, foster independence, and improve their quality of life. Our ISLA and Pre-ISLA programs are dedicated to teaching meal planning, budget-friendly shopping, and healthy cooking techniques—skills that not only enhance health but also build confidence and independence.

This is where the link will jump to The Sunlit Kitchen.

Sunnyhill’s Culinary Adventures

Move over, Gordon Ramsay—Chef Robert Rusan brought a fresh wave of flavor and excitement to Sunnyhill's Sunlit Kitchen! Recently, Chef Robert delighted our community with three delicious recipes, all designed to promote self-reliance and smart budgeting while making cooking fun and accessible. Chef Robert Rusan’s visit was a highlight for our community. He demonstrated how to create nutritious, budget-friendly meals using shared ingredients, helping us stretch our dollars without sacrificing taste or quality. These cooking sessions are part of our broader effort to equip individuals with the skills they need to make healthier choices and manage their budgets effectively.

Here’s a look at the cost comparison for Chef Robert’s recipes across different stores:

  • Schnucks: Total cost of $33.78, with a cost per meal of $11.26.

  • Walmart: Lowest total cost at $27.82, with a cost per meal of $9.27.

  • Aldi: Total cost of $35.28, with a cost per meal of $11.76.

Chicken Wrap (with Lettuce Wrap Option)
Ingredients: Rotisserie Chicken, 10" Tortillas or Lettuce Leaves, Tomato (diced), Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Salad Dressing or sauce of choice
Instructions: Shred the chicken. Place chicken, tomato, cheese, and onion in a tortilla or lettuce leaf. Drizzle with dressing or sauce, then wrap tightly.

Chicken Quesadilla
Ingredients: Rotisserie Chicken, 10" Tortillas, Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Salsa, Guacamole (optional)
Instructions: Spread chicken and cheese on half of a tortilla. Fold and cook on a skillet over medium heat until the cheese melts. Serve with salsa and guacamole.

BBQ Chicken Pizza
Ingredients: Rotisserie Chicken, 10" Tortillas, BBQ Sauce, Shredded Mozzarella Cheese, Red Onion (sliced)
Instructions: Spread BBQ sauce on the tortilla. Top with chicken, mozzarella, and onion. Bake at 350°F until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Pizza, Pizza, Pizza!

Saucy’s brought excitement to the Sunlit Kitchen with a fantastic day of dough tossing and pizza-making. They hosted members of our ISLA community for a hands-on cooking class, where everyone chose their own ingredients and crafted their own delicious pizzas. The day also featured a tour of the kitchen, where participants saw how their creations transformed into delectable delights. It was a memorable event full of culinary fun and teamwork!

Hungry? Check out Saucy’s, 1630 Gravois Rd, High Ridge, MO 63049

Get Involved: Community & Fundraising Events

Launch of The Sunlit Circle: Shine Bright with Sunnyhill

Ready to make a difference in 2025 while enjoying exclusive events? By joining the Sunlit Circle with a $500 donation, you'll support Sunnyhill's mission to empower individuals with developmental disabilities and enjoy a year of premium fun!

As a Sunlit Circle member, you’ll receive VIP Access to our top fundraising events:

  • March Matchness on 3/20/25: Experience the excitement of the college basketball tournament season while playing golf at TopGolf. Enjoy games, delicious food, a bottomless bar, and the company of fellow supporters, all while raising funds for a great cause.

  • Sunnyhill Derby on 5/3/25: Dress in your finest derby attire and join us for a day of racing excitement. Place your bets, sip on mint juleps, and revel in the festive atmosphere as we celebrate and support Sunnyhill’s mission.

  • ARTventure 2025, July 2025: Immerse yourself in creativity at ARTventure, where art and philanthropy come together. Meet Sunnyhill’s talented artists, experience an art exhibit, and connect with donors and leadership at the Golden Paintbrush reception.

  • Sunnyhill's Pickleball Tournament on 9/14/25: Enjoy VIP spectator status at our Pickleball Tournament! Watch the action up close while enjoying brunch and bottomless mimosas, and connect with other supporters in a fun setting.

  • Exclusive Discount Codes for your friends to join in the fun at each event!

Sign up by October 15, 2024, and receive:

  • 50% off the VIP Sippin’ for Sunnyhill ticket (valued at $200)

  • Your choice from the ARTwear 2024 Fall Collection

  • This is a fantastic opportunity to fill your calendar with unforgettable experiences while supporting a nonprofit that lights the path to empowered living.

Join the Sunlit Circle today and make 2025 a year to remember!

Upcoming Events:

  • 10/29/25: Community Give Back Night at Chicken n' Pickle, St. Charles, MO

    Missed out on Sunnyhill’s Pickleball Tournament swag or want to support our efforts to build pickleball courts at Sunnyhill Adventures? Join us on October 29th at Chicken n' Pickle, where we’ll kick off Sunnyhill’s Let It Snow Annual Appeal.

  • 11/7/2024: Sippin’ for Sunnyhill, O + O Hall, Webster Groves, MO

Get ready for matchbox car racing and be among the first to access the 2024 Fall ARTwear collection! Pre-sale is happening now with reduced early-bird pricing. Proceeds go towards supplying Sunnyhill community members with “Go Bags” for emergencies. Purchase Tickets at: Sippin24.eventbrite.com

  • Let It Snow Annual Appeal

Shine your light of generosity on those supported by Sunnyhill’s programs and services this holiday season. For all donations over $500, contributors will receive a custom resin snowflake created by a Sunnyhill artist.

Advocacy Point: The Impact of Inflation on Healthy Eating

As inflation continues to drive up food prices, maintaining a nutritious diet becomes increasingly challenging, especially for those on fixed incomes. People diagnosed with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are 58% more likely to be obese compared to the general population due to limited access to nutritious foods and appropriate dietary guidance (CDC, 2020). 38.8% of adults with disabilities are obese, compared to 28.7% of adults without disabilities diagnosis​ (CDC).

This is where the link will jump to The Caregiver's Corner.

Wellness Focus: Caregivers Corner

Meal prep can significantly alleviate caregiver burnout by addressing several key challenges. Here's how:

  • Time-Saving: Preparing meals in advance reduces daily cooking time, freeing up space for self-care and other responsibilities. Batch cooking also simplifies daily meal prep, making it more efficient.

  • Stress Reduction: Meal prep eliminates daily decision fatigue and provides predictability, reducing anxiety and stress related to meal planning.

  • Nutritional Consistency: With meal prep, caregivers can ensure balanced, nutritious meals for both themselves and their care recipients, avoiding unhealthy convenience foods and supporting better physical health and energy levels.

  • Financial Savings: Planning and bulk buying cut down on food waste and impulsive spending, leading to cost savings over time.

  • Enhanced Self-Care: By streamlining meal preparation, caregivers gain more time for self-care and can involve others in the process for additional support, reducing isolation and stress.

Overall, incorporating meal prep into caregiving routines can help manage burnout by saving time, reducing stress, ensuring nutritional consistency, and promoting self-care.

Funder Highlight: Saucy’s Chef Robert Rusan & The Ferguson Farmer’s Market

Thank you to Saucy’s High Ridge, Chef Robert Rusan for your generous support of Sunnyhill’s Sunlit Kitchen launch by teaching wonderful classes. Additionally, we appreciate the Ferguson Farmers Market donation of fresh tomatoes that made the meals complete. Your contribution helps us continue our mission to light the path to empowered living for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Executive Message: Amy Wheeler, CEO

As summer winds down, I’m inspired by our growth and achievements over the past few months. This edition of The Sunlit Path highlights our efforts to address challenges like the obesity crisis among individuals with developmental disabilities. Through programs like the Sunlit Kitchen and ISLA, we’re equipping our community with the tools to make healthier, more independent choices.

A special thank you to Chef Robert Rusan for his inspiring cooking classes that taught us all the value of nutritious, budget-friendly meals. These initiatives, coupled with your ongoing support, are vital to our mission of empowering individuals with developmental disabilities.

Thank you for being a part of our journey. Together, we will continue to light the path to a brighter, healthier future.

This is where the link will jump to Director's Corner

Director’s Corner:

  • Amy Guignon, Applied Behavioral Services
    No update for August 2024.

  • Jayne Grisham, Adventures Camp & Travel
    No update for August 2024.

  • Tamico Jones, Advocacy & Family Navigation Services
    Sunnyhill Advocacy was honored to participate in the panel discussion following the screening of the powerful documentary "UNSEEN: How We’re Failing Parent Caregivers & Why It Matters," hosted by the June Jessee Memorial Foundation. After the impactful film, the panel offered valuable guidance on family navigation and support.

  • Becky Mullins, Greater St. Louis ISL & Waiver
    On August 22nd, the Waiver Department will welcome a new team member to fill the role of Transition Coordinator. This new position is designed to ensure a seamless process for all intakes and internal transitions within the department. The Transition Coordinator will work closely with the individuals we support, their families, and home support teams to address and meet needs throughout the transition process. We are thrilled to introduce this much-needed role to enhance our services!

  • Megan Shoults, Jefferson County ISL & Waiver
    The Jefferson County Department has successfully completed the first of five ISL home transitions to our department, with the initial home transitioning in July and the next scheduled for September 1, 2024. To celebrate, we’re hosting our 2nd Annual Jeffco Pool Day at camp later this month, featuring a BBQ for staff and the individuals we support, and an opportunity to enjoy the recent camp updates. Additionally, we’re pleased to announce that Krystal Smith has been promoted from DSP to Lead Staff. Congratulations, Krystal!

  • Amanda Kehoe, Individualized Supporting Living Assistance (ISLA) and Pre-ISLA
    Warren received funding from the PLB for replacement items, which has significantly improved his comfort and quality of life. He acquired a new vacuum cleaner, bed, sheets, comforter, and pillows. Previously, Warren had been using his mother's heavy vacuum cleaner from 1972, which was causing him labored breathing and no longer effectively picked up dirt. With the help of his staff, Warren chose a lightweight vacuum that is easy for him to use. Additionally, Warren's bed, dating back to 1996, was contributing to back pain, so he was in need of a new one. He is now very satisfied with his new bed and vacuum. The ISLA department continues to assess and address the needs of the people we support.

  • Jennifer Gibbs, Nursing
    The nursing department is currently focused on distributing personalized diet folders for each individual with PWS. These folders are designed to be comprehensive resources, including detailed diet information, meal planning tools, and practical food preparation guides.

  • Kathleen Branson, CFO
    The Sunnyhill Finance department recently closed out fiscal year 2024, and are having our annual audit of financial statements this week.

  • Kelly Scarcliff, Human Resources
    Sunnyhill will celebrate Direct Support Professional Week from September 8, 2024, honoring the outstanding work and tremendous impact that our Direct Support Professionals make every day in the lives of those we support. Interested in learning about employment opportunities at Sunnyhill? Visit our career listings on Indeed.

  • Jim Schmitt, Information Technology & Security Services
    Sunnyhill recently participated in an educational session on cybersecurity trends, hosted by the Fenton Chamber of Commerce.

  • Chris Shoults, Facility & Maintenance
    No update for August 2024.

🎁 SPECIAL GIFT: With every snowflake purchase over $250, you’ll receive a stunning handmade snowflake crafted by our talented artist community! This unique piece symbolizes the difference you're making in their lives and serves as a beautiful reminder of the joy of giving. Shine your light of generosity and warmth this holiday season.

Stay Connected with Sunnyhill

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Contact Us:
Sunnyhill, Inc.
Phone: 314-845-3900
Email: social@sunnyhillinc.org
Website: www.sunnyhilliinc.org

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