Meal Improvement Plan – $3,550
The Community Foundation strives to address critical needs in the community. Some of these can go unseen or overlooked. One of our core values is compassion, and we know that greater capacity leads to a bigger impact. 
Seniors West of the Tetons advocates for our valley’s growing senior population, and brought to our attention the need to improve the nutritional quality of meals served five times weekly in its dining room and delivered to homebound elderly community members.
Seniors West of the Tetons is focused on bringing health, nutrition, and social connections to seniors in Teton County, Idaho and Wyoming. As the only organization in the valley that prepares and delivers homemade meals, it holds an important place in serving two growing demographics in our valley – people over 62 and those living in poverty in Teton County. In order to provide a sustainable cost-effective meal program, including a daily offering of fresh fruits and vegetables, its kitchen is in need of some core enhancements.
With this grant, their staff cook will purchase new equipment, including a portable salad bar that meets health department requirements, a large slow cooker and commercial-grade food processer to expand meal options for the 25-30 individuals it serves per week. Professional culinary training for the organization’s staff cook will include job shadowing at the Senior Center of Jackson Hole and continuing education at Central Wyoming College. Additionally, collaboration with local valley chefs from Broulim’s, Forage and Spoons will foster creativity and advancement in process and delivery.
Ultimately, this staff pilot training program and culinary collaboration, along with improvement in materials and equipment will improve the experience of our esteemed seniors, and provide a sustainable model for cost-effective, nutritious meal provisions in our valley.
