NISC Programs of Excellence 

• Year Awarded: 2025
• Programs of Excellence Name: Community Chef Day
• Hosting Organization: Lee Council on Aging, Lee, Massachussetts 

About Community Chef Day

The Lee Senior Center is packed with older adults on the last Wednesday of the month for Community Chef Day. Popular with our local older adults, community chefs consist of bank employees, Library employees, local government employees, family members, friends, local summer community garden members, and often a group of older adults themselves.

Each chef is responsible for deciding on a simple nutritional meal. They shop for ingredients and prepare the meal in front of all the attendees at the center using the kitchen there. When the dish they have prepared is done, a portion is put in containers that participants bring to take home. The program is special because each chef has something unique to offer in addition to the meal itself. For example, bank employees might talk about scams, library staff will talk about the programs they offer to older adults.

Key takeaways from Community Chef Day:

• Older adults are provided with a free nutritious meal and learn to prepare something that can easily be replicated at home in their own kitchens.
• Each Chef has something different to offer, whether it's a different ingredient or kitchen gadget, and they have the opportunity to share their expertise with the group, as well. 
• The biggest impact of the program has been the opportunity for socialization it provides. Participants laugh, joke, and reminisce about what they use to cook. 

About Lee Council on Aging

The Lee Council on Aging offers a comfortable and welcoming place for older adults to socialize, eat meals, exercise, or get assistance with insurance questions.