At Thomas Cuisine, we believe in the transformative power of REAL food. As Chad Cantwell, our Senior VP of Growth, puts it, “As a foodservice partner, we have experienced firsthand the power of REAL food. We see every meal as an opportunity to nourish and thrive.” This belief guided our recent event, the Well-Being Think Tank, held in Boise from August 6th to 7th, 2024.
Co-hosted by Thomas Cuisine and Michele Holleran, an esteemed expert in senior living, the Well-Being Think Tank was a pivotal event aimed at exploring the future of senior living and developing innovative strategies for longevity and holistic well-being. Our theme, “Transforming Our Life Plan Communities into Healthy Living Zones,” underscored our dedication to REAL food and its vital role in improving seniors’ quality of life.
More than just a conference, the Think Tank offered an immersive experience with educational sessions and engaging discussions on wellness programs in senior living. We took pride in offering customized lunch and dinner experiences that showcased our REAL food mission and our commitment to high-quality, nourishing meals.
Chad Cantwell emphasized our mission: “In senior living communities, we love being able to provide nutritious food that tastes delicious while extending the golden years of those we serve. Part of our REAL food mission is educating on an individual scale to those we serve, and then as a whole, doing all we can to shape the future of the industry for the better.”
The event featured a diverse lineup of speakers from the senior living and health and wellness sectors, including Colin Milner, CEO of the International Council on Active Aging; Ryan Frederick, CEO of Here; Greg Hunteman, President of Pi Architects; Ted Teele, CEO of Longevity Community Consultants; Terry Rogers, CEO of Westminster Communities of Florida; and Lexi Cole, Program Manager at Tufts University’s Food Is Medicine Institute. Their insights covered various topics, such as “Wellness as a Business, Not an Afterthought” and “Converting Investments in Well-Being into Occupancy Gains.”
Attendees participated in meaningful round-table discussions and left with valuable resources and strategies for implementing positive changes in their organizations. The event highlighted the crucial role of nutrition in promoting longevity, a point underscored by Terry Rogers: “At Westminster Communities, food is central to our focus on resident well-being. Dining is an essential part of daily life, which is why we prioritize real food and nutrition as key components of the foodservice approach in our current communities. Our dining program will also play a central role in our future plans for longevity communities, supporting residents’ journeys toward living happy, healthy, and longer.”
We are excited to announce that we plan to host this event annually. For updates on this year’s Think Tank and information about future events, follow us on social media. If you’re interested in participating in next year’s gathering, please reach out to the Thomas Cuisine team.
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