Chef for Hire partners with CICOA to provide nourishing meals and social opportunities for seniors in Central Indiana. Their collaborative programs help reduce isolation and deliver meaningful connections alongside nutritious food.
Chef for Hire senior meals offer more than nutrition—they foster connection and compassion. In this interview, Deandra Miller Fajardo, Vice President of Administration at Chef for Hire, discusses how their collaboration with CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions creates a lasting impact through home-delivered and community meals for older adults in Central Indiana.
How does Chef for Hire collaborate with CICOA to support seniors?
Interviewer: You've touched on the Indy Parks and school lunch programs. Could you tell us more about your partnership with CICOA and the people it serves?
Deandra Miller Fajardo: Absolutely. CICOA runs the Meals & More program. While it's their program, we provide the meals. That includes home-delivered meals and hot meals served at community congregate sites. It’s not just about food—it’s about giving seniors a place to socialize, play games, and engage with others.
We know that isolation is one of the biggest risks for older adults. These community meals help prevent that by offering both nourishment and connection. And it’s our meals that support that mission.
What impact do community meal programs have on older adults?
Interviewer: That's amazing. What kind of impact do you see in the community from this work?
Deandra Miller Fajardo: It’s incredibly fulfilling. We hear from seniors who say that our drivers are the only people they see all week. The relationship-building that happens through these meal deliveries is what makes this work so important.
We’re not just delivering meals—we’re delivering dignity, compassion, and care.
“Collaborative meal programs like those between Chef for Hire and CICOA do more than feed people—they help build relationships and support emotional well-being for seniors in our community.”
— Deandra Miller Fajardo
How can people learn more about Chef for Hire senior meals?
Want to learn more about how Chef for Hire is building connections across Indiana? Visit our Senior Meal Services page for details.
Chef for Hire senior meals make a difference, one delivery at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Meals & More program?
Meals & More is a CICOA initiative that provides home-delivered and community meals for older adults in Central Indiana.
How does Chef for Hire help reduce senior isolation?
Chef for Hire delivers meals and creates opportunities for seniors to connect at community sites, helping to prevent loneliness.
Where can I find more information about senior meal services?
Visit the Chef for Hire Senior Meal Services page for details on programs and eligibility.
Jeff Scheck
About the Author
Jeff Scheck is the Executive Vice President of Chef for Hire, bringing over 25 years of experience in delivering high-quality, nutritious, and compliant meals to communities across Indiana. With specialized expertise in Senior Nutrition programs, Jeff has led efforts to design and oversee meal services that meet diverse dietary needs while supporting the health and independence of older adults. He holds a B.S. in Nutrition from Purdue Global and a Culinary Arts degree from Johnson & Wales University, along with HACCP Food Safety and ServSafe Manager certifications. With hands-on expertise spanning hotels, restaurants, catering, and large-scale food service operations, Jeff is dedicated to combining culinary excellence with community well-being. Learn more on LinkedIn.
