Brian McKay, Store Manager of our Paramus Wild Fork Foods store, turned up the heat at the Juniper Village at Paramus with a heartwarming cooking demonstration that brought senior residents together over sizzling skewers and shared smiles. But this wasn’t just about food, it was about connection. Juniper Village is an assisted living and memory support community located in the heart of Bergen County, New Jersey. Known for blending suburban charm with personalized care, Juniper Communities is dedicated to Nurturing the Spirit of Life in each individual served and believes the keys to healthy aging are an active body, an engaged mind, and a fulfilled spirit. This partnership beautifully reflects the shared values of Wild Fork and Juniper Communities s. At Wild Fork, the mission is Nourishing Better Lives, and that means more than just providing quality food. It’s about creating meaningful experiences that uplift, connect, and empower the communities where we operate.
McKay shared, “I began this outreach shortly after opening Wild Fork Paramus in 2024 as a way to connect with the local community and positively impact a population who could truly benefit from what we do. My wife has worked in assisted living facilities for over 10 years, and at the same time we opened our store, she joined Juniper Village Paramus. With both of us deeply rooted in the Paramus community, this was a unique opportunity to merge our fields into one meaningful and beneficial initiative.” Cooking demos are part of McKay’s ongoing efforts to engage with the facility on a regular basis. Held monthly or bi-monthly with different themes each time, they’re designed to spark memories, encourage social interaction, and create moments of joy that are especially meaningful for elderly residents. This time around, McKay served our Wild Fork beef angus meatball skewers layered with creamy mozzarella and colorful bell peppers, filling the room with mouthwatering aromas and cheerful conversation. The event gave everyone a chance to reminisce, laugh, and bond over the simple pleasure of good food and good company. And the flavor-filled fun isn’t stopping there. McKay will return in September for National Assisted Living Week, hosting a larger BBQ-style cooking demo for residents and their families. With over 100 attendees expected, the event promises to be a vibrant celebration of community, connection, and care. “We’re proud to partner with and support the Juniper Paramus community, and we look forward to bringing more opportunities for flavor and fun to their residents,” said McKay.