Rock the Crock!

An innovative program born out of a desire to address the food insecurity that impacts senior citizens while bringing them together to counter insolation is set to hold its second session.

“Rock the Crock” offers attending seniors an engaging and hands-on cooking lesson focusing on nutritious, delicious meals that can be made in a mini crockpot. The first session included a cooking demonstration that had seniors helping with food preparation before they all enjoyed a meal of chicken and dumplings together. Seniors left the event with their own small crockpot, a bag of food containing the ingredients to re-create the meal at home, the recipe card, an apron and a $25 gift certificate to Market Basket.  

“The menus are designed to provide two dinners for seniors living alone. The recipes are easily accessible with nutritious ingredients,” says Tania Marino, Gather’s culinary director. “We are always looking for ways to engage our seniors that are meaningful and fun. It’s not only about nourishment but social interaction as well.” 

The project, which will consist of five workshops, is a collaboration between Gather, the Portsmouth Housing Authority and the Portsmouth Senior Activity Center and was made possible through a generous grant from the Foundation for Seacoast Health. 

After the April 11 event the next Rock the Crock will take place June 6th, then again on September 12th and November 7th. Sign-ups are managed through the Portsmouth Housing Authority, and spots fill quickly.  

“This is the result of three nonprofits with the same goal of serving our senior population working together,” Tania says. “Seniors can get lonely and when you add in food insecurity, it’s tough. Programs like this are about more than food.”