Overview
Food & Friends
Ages 18 months–3 years old
Every Other Monday, 10:15–11:00 AM
Beginning November 16
Included Open Play runs from 11:00–11:30 AM following class.
Exploring new foods doesn't have to happen at the dinner table!
Join us at River & Root for Food & Friends, a playful, pressure-free food exploration class designed to help little ones build curiosity, confidence, and comfort with new foods through hands-on sensory experiences.
Led by pediatric occupational therapist and feeding specialist Sarah Abbott, each class introduces children to different foods, textures, smells, and opportunities for discovery in a fun, supportive environment.
There's no pressure to take a bite! Touching, smelling, squishing, scooping, observing, and playing with food are all valuable steps toward building familiarity and confidence.
Whether your little one is an adventurous eater, hesitant about unfamiliar foods, or somewhere in between, Food & Friends offers a welcoming space to explore at their own pace while caregivers learn simple strategies to bring home.
Class Structure (Play + Learn)
Every Other Monday | 10:15–11:30 AM
- Food & Friends Class: 10:15–11:00 AM
- Included Open Play: 11:00–11:30 AM
Each class is a standalone experience with opportunities for sensory exploration, playful learning, and connection with other little ones.
Your registration includes the full 75-minute experience and all class materials.
$30 per drop-in, or purchase a Class Pass to reduce your rate to just $25 per class!
Sibling discounts available.
No full-series commitment is required. Families can choose the dates that work best for their schedules, and class pass holders can enjoy discounted registration.
Meet Your Instructor
Meet Sarah Abbott, MOT, OTR/L! Sarah is a pediatric occupational therapist, feeding specialist, founder of Bright Pathways OT, and mom of two.
With a passion for child development, sensory processing, and play-based learning, Sarah helps children build confidence and independence through meaningful, developmentally appropriate experiences.
Through Food & Friends, she brings her feeding expertise into a playful group setting, helping children explore foods without pressure while giving caregivers practical strategies to support positive mealtime experiences at home.
Food Allergies & Safety
Food will be used during class activities. Please notify River & Root of any food allergies or dietary restrictions before attending so we can discuss the planned activities and possible accommodations.
Caregivers must supervise their children throughout food exploration, including any tasting. Eating is always optional, and we cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment.
Class Cancellation & Modification Policy
Class reservations may be moved to another date of the same class up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time, subject to availability. Because our educators prepare materials based on enrollment, class reservations are non-refundable and normally cannot be transferred within 24 hours of class.
If your child becomes ill within the 24-hour window, please contact us before class begins. We never want families to attend while sick, and when possible, we'll offer a one-time make-up in the same class series, subject to availability. No-shows are not eligible for a credit or transfer.
If River & Root or the instructor cancels a class, families will receive the option to transfer, receive a credit, or receive a refund.