FAST FIVE Lake City Center's Chivon Bailey: Comfort, nutrition and care in every bite

Meet Chivon Bailey, the kitchen manager at Lake City Center, where she leads the Home Delivered Meals and congregate meal programs.

Inspired by her Grandma Betty and a first job at the Junction Drive-In in St. Maries, Chivon brings heart, skill and a love of homestyle cooking to every meal she serves. She’s especially passionate about creating healthy, flavorful dishes for seniors — combining comfort, nutrition and care in every bite.

1) How long have you been the kitchen manager at Lake City Center and what made you want to join the team?  

I've been the kitchen manager at Lake City Center for 18 months, overseeing both the Home Delivered Meals and congregate meal programs. These senior programs are vital to our community, and I was drawn to the role because I’m passionate about serving others, especially our older adults who often rely on these meals not just for nutrition, but also for connection and care. Joining this team gave me the opportunity to make a meaningful difference every day through food, service and compassion.

2) When did you first begin honing your cooking skills and who are some of your biggest culinary influences?

I first began honing my cooking skills as a child, thanks to my Grandma Betty. From the moment I was old enough to hold a spoon, she had me by her side in the kitchen, teaching me the basics and showing me the joy of cooking with love and care. Her influence continues to guide me to this day. She sparked my passion for food and inspired the way I cook for others. At 16, I started my first job at the Junction Drive-In in St. Maries, where I got my first taste of working in a fast-paced kitchen and developed the skills and work ethic that still serve me in my career today.

3) What are your favorite dishes to cook, to eat and to serve?

Some of my favorite dishes to cook are Italian — there’s something special about the rich flavors, fresh ingredients and the way those meals bring people together. When it comes to eating, breakfast is my favorite. Whether it's a hearty skillet or a simple plate of eggs and toast, I love starting the day with a good meal. As for serving others, I take pride in preparing comfort food and homestyle dishes that feel familiar, warm and made with care. To me, good food is about more than taste; it’s about making people feel at home.

4) What is something people would be surprised to know about you?

Something people might be surprised to learn about me is that I’m not a formally certified chef. However, I’ve always believed that dedication, hands-on experience and a strong work ethic matter just as much as a certificate. I’ve made it a point to meet all the necessary qualifications for my role, and I continually push myself to learn, grow and deliver the highest quality meals. My passion for cooking and commitment to serving others have been my driving forces every step of the way.

5) What are a few things you most enjoy about creating healthy, tasty dishes for our local seniors?

One of the things I enjoy most about creating healthy, tasty dishes for our local seniors is knowing that I’m contributing to their well-being — both physically and emotionally. Good nutrition is essential at any age, but especially for seniors, and I take pride in preparing meals that are not only nourishing but also enjoyable to eat. I love finding ways to make classic comfort foods healthier without sacrificing flavor. Seeing a smile after a good meal or hearing that someone looks forward to what we serve makes it all worthwhile.