The UNC Eating Disorders Program is preparing to launch a new monthly program for family members of patients currently receiving treatment in our inpatient and partial hospitalization programs. This new program will provide the opportunity for patients and their family members to eat a meal together while receiving support from the treatment team. After the meal, families will participate in presentations and discussions led by members of the clinical treatment team. A key goal of this program is to help family members actively participate in a key part of the recovery process by providing mealtime support. The program is designed to help families to work together as a team and expand the family’s repertoire of skills to support recovery. These monthly meals will help connect families around mealtimes while providing increased social support, guidance, and encouragement.

Rachel Finholt and Kate Cardoza, Social Workers with the Eating Disorders Program, have been instrumental in planning and preparing the launch of this new program. By securing a generous grant from the UNC Health Care Volunteer Association, the Program will be able to cover the cost of providing these monthly meals for both families and patients. This no-cost meal option for family members will allow families to participate in the program without added stress or financial burden during an already challenging time.

The Eating Disorders Program is excited to launch this program in January 2012, and we are especially grateful for the ongoing support of Volunteer Services that has made this program possible.  To learn more about the Multi-Family Meal Program, please contact Rachel Finholt or Kate Cardoza.

By: Sara Hofmeier