In children with cancer, the disease and therapy can completely change their sense of taste and appetite. Things they used to like, suddenly taste different, or they just feel less like eating. In time, this can lead to malnutrition and changes in body composition, at a time when they need their energy the most.
Lobke Husson is a paediatric dietitian at UZ Leuven and is involved in the project: "Nutrition determines how well a child can tolerate treatment and even plays a role in the chances of recovery. That is why we are working with parents and children to find ways to make eating feasible and enjoyable again."
Identifying needs
Before launching Snackmasters, the paediatric oncology department surveyed children with cancer and their parents about their eating habits and needs during treatment. This especially showed a big need for flexibility and freedom of choice. Lobke: "Parents told us that their children often preferred to have little snacks rather than three large meals, and that they would like to have access to snacks at times when the child does have an appetite. The desire to be able to prepare something oneself from time to time or to have a place to eat together with the family also came to the fore strongly."
No obligation
Snackmasters gives young oncology patients the chance to choose what en when they want to eat. The eyecatcher of the project is the snack cart: a colourful cart that stops by the room every day, with a varied selection of tasty and nutritious snacks. In addition, there will be theme days such as 'Smoothie Vibes' and 'Surprise Friday', when dieticians and volunteers prepare fresh and healthy snacks together with the children.
Lobke: "These moments encourage the children to discover new tastes and turn having food on the ward into a pleasant, shared moment. Soon there will also be a small kitchenette where parents can prepare meals themselves, tailored to what their child likes to eat or can tolerate. This will make eating something to look forward to again, rather than a chore."