Thank you for the epic meals
This is especially true when it comes to providing meals for our clients.
Clients stay with us from one month to — at times many months. During this time, they are well-fed as they regain health. While our partners at the Saint Anthony Center (SAC) work with us to provide meals and snacks — there are “in-between” times in which the Center works with outside parties to cover meals. Meal preparation is time consuming, costly and requires careful planning.
This meal coverage happens due to a host of people and organizations committed to our client’s well-being.
We are grateful for the support of families, neighbors, business associates, student groups, and faith-based groups that have prepared, served, and shared meals with the Center’s clients. This means that volunteers come into the Center, bring, and serve food, and — in the process — get to know our clients.
How it happens:
These meals are prepared off-site and delivered by groups (named above.) The Center has a client kitchenette and a common area to set up for serving. We have crock pots, roasters, microwaves, and serving utensils. While we also have plates, cups, and utensils, sometimes groups bring paper goods for easy cleanup.
A shared experience:
Along with the meal being served, the meal being shared is a valuable part of the experience. As well as receiving medical care, time to heal, and social support — it is important that our clients are able to interact with others. It is equally important that the community learn more about us. Shared mealtime offers both.
How we managed during the pandemic:
During the pandemic, the Center was not able to receive volunteers on the unit. Our innovative and motivated supporters were extremely faithful with preparing and delivering meals – sort of a drive-through in reverse. The food continued to arrive.
It takes a village:
Last fiscal year 30 volunteers (some serving meals monthly) provided 2388 hours of volunteer service. This is no small effort. Without our volunteers and their passion — mealtime would be not as lively, not as interesting, and not nearly as much fun.
We thank those who have helped us with this significant component of our care. If interested in assisting with this effort, please contact:
Medical Recovery Assistant, Mendy Sanders AsstMGR@centerforrespitecare.org
