Mission Possible grants spotlight: Social meals for older adults

When Nancy Shea, Inpatient Pharmacist and Community Health Lead at Ascension Elmbrook, first learned about Mission Possible grants, she knew it was a great opportunity to request funding for the Community Health Team’s passion project, Social Meals for Older Adults. 

Social Meals for Older Adults is an initiative designed to encourage healthy eating for community members experiencing chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart failure and heart disease. The event is an opportunity to learn firsthand about healthy eating from dieticians while building community with others. 

“The idea of Social Meals for Older Adults came about somewhat organically in one of our Community Health Team meetings,” Nancy shared. “The Community Health team is made up of associates from Elmbrook and we are tasked with supporting the broader community we live and work in. As a team we have three broad implementation strategies – chronic disease management, mental health and social determinants of health. At a meeting several months ago it was brought up that a social meal for older adults would check off boxes in every category we needed!”

The first Social Meals for Older Adults event was a huge success. During the event, a chef demonstrated how to prepare a healthy meal of seared chicken breast, brown rice, green beans and fresh fruit. While preparing the dish, dieticians explained the health benefits of the meal and engaged participants in discussions about healthy eating. 

After the meal, participants played a game called “Guess the Sodium,” where they took turns guessing the levels of sodium found in common restaurant meals. Participants left the event with healthy recipes to try at home. 

In addition to learning more about healthy eating, participants learned about brain health from an occupational therapist, listened to a presentation about falls prevention and heard from a representative from Waukesha County Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC). A nurse was also available to check blood pressure for those interested. 

Feedback about the event was overwhelmingly positive, and Nancy and her team look forward to expanding their outreach to even more community members at their next event in September.

“It was gratifying as the CHIP lead to see so many associates helping out and enjoying themselves,” Nancy shared. “My advice to associates looking for funds is just to apply! Getting our project funded was a wonderful surprise and it is helping a lot of people!”

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About Mission Possible Grants: 

Mission Possible associate grants are designed to encourage creativity, problem-solving and contributions to innovative solutions in the workplace. All departments and programs within Ascension Wisconsin are invited to apply.

Mission Possible grants will be awarded for projects up to $5,000 with a focus in the areas of impact and innovation. Projects should enhance patient experience and/or provide creative approaches to improving efficiencies in the work environment.

Visit giveMissionPossible.org/associate-grants to learn more.