Morris Leader

The Morris County Nutrition Program has joined forces with Employment Horizons’ Culinary Arts Training Program to conduct senior nutrition demonstrations titled “A Place at the Table” in recognition of National Nutrition Month. These events are being held at three county nutrition sites, with the first demonstration occurring on March 7 in Parsippany. Future sessions are planned for March 14 in Mount Olive and March 21 in Roxbury.

Employment Horizons' Culinary Arts Training Program supports individuals with disabilities and other employment barriers, preparing them for roles within the food service industry. This initiative is partially funded by the Morris County Board of County Commissioners.

“We all have unique gifts, and we are meant to use them. Life isn’t just about work; it’s about making a difference, creating value and helping others,” said Commissioner Christine Myers, who serves as a liaison to the Human Services Department. She emphasized that contributions have far-reaching impacts regardless of one’s abilities.

During the Parsippany event, Kaylee Wickersham, program manager and instructor at Employment Horizons’ Culinary Arts Training Program, guided two students as they demonstrated how to prepare chicken pot pie soup and peaches and cream oats for a group of seniors. Attendees were able to sample these dishes and received take-home kits containing ingredients and recipes prepared by residents of the Morris County Youth Shelter.

“These demonstrations give seniors the tools to take charge of their well-being while also providing valuable skills to the Employment Horizons community, which can lead to new opportunities in the food industry,” stated Christine Hellyer, Director of the Office of Aging, Disabilities and Community Programming.

The upcoming demonstrations will be held at 10 a.m. on March 14 at Mount Olive Senior Center and on March 21 at Roxbury Senior Center. Seats are still available for those interested; reservations can be made by calling Mount Olive at 973-448-7474 or Roxbury at 973-361-5231.

The Morris County Nutrition Program delivers hot nutritious meals alongside education and personal interaction through its Congregate Meals, Home Delivered Meals, and Weekend Meals components. In 2024 alone, it provided 360,970 meals to local residents.

This year’s theme for National Nutrition Month is “Food Connects Us.” Further information is accessible via eatright.org/national-nutrition-month.