Lava Senior Center urges Bannock County to continue meal funding as demand surges

Representatives of the Lava Senior Center asked the Bannock County commission to continue funding that the center uses to support meals, social activities and limited transportation assistance for older residents.

Martha Fay, chair of the senior-center board, and a center representative identified as Terra described outreach efforts to nearby towns and an increase in meals served. “We serve 1,800 meals in a month,” Terra said while describing the center’s social role and how congregate meals can reconnect isolated older residents.

The presenters said the center expanded both in-house and home-delivered meals — reporting an increase of roughly 1,200 meals last year — and has added a pantry and occasional outings. Terra described a member, Vic Lucero, whose recovery of social engagement after a stroke illustrated the center’s nonmedical benefits: “Will you tell the guys at my table I’ll be back,” she quoted him saying when he returned from rehab.

The center outlined operational details: meals are prepared on-site by cook Megan Hatch; the program receives about $4 in reimbursement per meal and supplements that revenue with grants, donations and county support. Terra said the center has limited transportation options and would like a handicap-accessible van to serve homebound members but that capital purchases are not currently feasible.

The senior center requested that the county continue the same funding level as last year (presenters cited a $20,000 figure they sought from municipalities and the county) to preserve staff, delivery and social programs. Commissioners thanked presenters and asked for follow-up documentation about program costs and usage to inform the county’s budget process.