Позитивные изменения. Том 4, №1 (2024). Positive changes. Volume 4, Issue 1 (2024)

• Organized 3 catering events;

• Facilitated 30 career guidance tours for families with children with disabilities from Moscow and Russian regions.

SOCIAL EFFECTS ACHIEVED IN 2023

As reported by the Different Grains staff, the operation of the cafe and the supported employment model have led to the following effects:

1. An increase in employment among individuals with ASD.

2. Enhanced public awareness about autism spectrum disorders and support measures for the employment of people with autism.

3. Improved quality of life for individuals with ASD and their families. Family members have more free time due to reduced caregiving demands; financial stability.

4. Increased self-esteem, independence, and social integration for people with mental disabilities.

5. Higher employee engagement, motivation, and morale in companies committed to diversity and inclusivity.

6. Employers recognize the distinct attributes of employees with mental disabilities: punctuality, discipline, adherence to instructions, and low turnover rates.

SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC IMPACT

The Different Grains cafe not only provides employment for individuals with mental disabilities but also acts as a model platform for other initiatives. Parent-led initiative groups from cities like Voronezh, Tomsk, Orel, Rostov-on-Don, Dzerzhinsky, and Noginsk have adopted the cafe’s approach. Parents of special children and professionals are the most interested and motivated to ensure a quality life for their children and wards.

FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY MODEL

The financial model is based on self-sufficiency and grant support. The project’s revenue consists of: sales of coffee and menu items, corporate orders, souvenir merchandise (t-shirts, socks, mugs), online orders made through the “Yandex. Food” service, ticket sales for events, and subscriptions (culinary school, communications group, “Alexei Iorsch’s Comic School,” etc.).

Ksyunia’s Delight: a Healthy Desserts Studio

Cakes and Desserts that Can Be Enjoyed While on a Diet or with Diabetes.

Ksyunia’s Delight Studio was inaugurated in Kaliningrad in September 2022. Founder Oksana Sarina champions the healthy eating movement by crafting properly nutritious desserts. The initiative partners with cafés, secures loyal clientele, and arranges healthy-eating-themed parties.

https://vk.com/ksunya_radost

PROBLEM ADDRESSED

Approximately 5 million Russians are officially diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, and an equal number remain unaware of their condition, reports the National Medical Research Center for Endocrinology under the Russian Ministry of Health. Russia diagnoses over 240,000 new diabetes cases among children and adults annually. The prevalence of diabetes is increasing globally, not just within Russia. Research published in The Lancet suggests that by 2050, around 1.31 billion people worldwide will live with the condition.

Diabetes manifests in two primary types.

While Type 1 diabetes remains incurable, Type 2 diabetes — often a consequence of lifestyle choices, such as poor diet and lack of exercise — can be prevented through weight management, a healthy balanced diet, and regular physical activity.

Allergies, another modern epidemic, affect approximately 40 % of the global population, according to the World Health Organization. While only up to 2 % suffer from food allergies, food intolerances affect 80 %, as noted by the Pirogov National Medical Surgical Center. Symptoms like bloating, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea can overlap in these conditions. Common food allergens include cow’s milk, chicken eggs, peanuts, soybeans, fish, shellfish, and tree nuts.

Furthermore, a study revealed that 57 % of Russians (68 % women and 32 % men) have dieted at least once. Forty percent were concerned with aesthetics related to being overweight, while 37 % cited health issues stemming from excess weight. Around 60 % of the participants preferred diets eliminating sugar and flour. The study was conducted by the Sbermarket delivery service together with ResearchMe analytical company in June 2021.

Contrary to popular belief, sweets aren’t entirely off-limits for individuals with Type 2 diabetes, allergies, food intolerances, or those on a diet. These people can afford sweets from time to time. It is crucial for Type 2 diabetes patients to avoid foods with a high glycemic index routinely rather than shunning sweets altogether. Recognizing the difficulty many face in completely abandoning sugary treats, there exists an alternative: healthy, sugar-free, and wheat flour-free desserts that don’t compromise on taste or appearance compared to traditional sweets.