Pocatello senior center requests $22,800 from Bannock County as meals, attendance rise

Tara Contreras, director of the Senior Activity Center (TELOS), told Bannock County commissioners that the center is asking the county for $22,800 this year, a $2,800 increase from the $20,000 it received previously, to support an expanding congregate meal program and related kitchen needs.

Contreras said the center served 6,000 meals to 531 seniors during January through April 2025, up from 5,299 meals to 504 seniors during the same period in 2024. "We've seen about 14 to 15% increase in our attendance," she said, and added that donations and daily participation have risen.

The request comes as the center plans a $20,000 floor replacement in its dining room, will continue a Meals on Wheels contract (while providing 70 meals four days a week to a partner program named in the presentation), and expects to expand kitchen operations to supply another local program (referred to in the presentation as "CECA"). Contreras said the center will need to hire at least one full-time…