Swiftel Center Catering Collaboration Doubles
Swiftel Center catering is creating even more meals for 60’s Plus Dining program
Last week, the Swiftel Center catering department prepared more than 400 fresh, frozen meals that were distributed by ICAP throughout the Brookings community. This week, with an increase in demand for meals, the Swiftel Center catering department doubled the order and prepared more than 800 fresh, frozen meals. As the community continues to navigate the changing conditions due to COVID-19, all parties expect the demand for orders to continue to increase.
Last week, orders were made throughout the week for a Friday pickup. Because of changing conditions, orders can now be placed anytime and scheduled for delivery anytime. ICAP has a network of volunteers to deliver meals throughout the Brookings community. Emergency orders can be filled and delivered immediately. Regular orders can be filled and delivered on a specific route schedule.
Frozen meal packs are available for any adult age 60 and older. There are no income or health requirements for ordering. Anyone age 60 or older is eligible to order. For each seven-day meal pack, you can select seven frozen meals from the ten available options. In addition, each seven-day meal pack includes a small loaf of bread, fruit juice and a half gallon of milk. Packs are offered for a free will donation; the suggested amount for each seven-day meal pack is $27.
Social distancing has limited the ability to interact with family members, neighbors and friends. In response, families across the United States are calling ICAP to place orders for their loved ones here in Brookings. Neighbors and friends are also placing orders in an effort to watch out for our community. ICAP encourages all families, friends and neighbors to place orders.
The meals created by the Swiftel Center catering department are quality, balanced and nutritious, with each meal providing one third of the daily recommended nutrition amounts. Ingredients are fresh and delicious, following similar recipes to traditional Swiftel Center banquet catering. Each meal is flash frozen in specialty sealed containers. These frozen meals can be heated in a microwave or oven.
The catering team consists of the Swiftel Center Executive Chef Matt Chapman along with a limited team of rotating Swiftel Center staff members. The full-time team recognized the need to support the on-going catering collaboration. Assuming the “other duties as assigned” job description, all Swiftel Center team members are pitching in to assist with this initiative. Serving the Brookings community is an important component of the Swiftel Center mission. The full-time team is continuing to carry out that mission, even while the facility is closed to the public.
ABOUT 60’S PLUS DINING
60’s Plus Dining is an adult meal program serving quality, nutritious meals to any South Dakota resident aged 60 or over and his/her spouse or care giver. There are no income or health guidelines to participate. 60’s Plus Dining began serving meals in 1973, and currently has over 2,700 clients throughout 10 counties in east-central South Dakota. For more information, visit www.dining.interlakescap.com.
ABOUT BROOKINGS AREA UNITED WAY
The Brookings Area United Way is uniting people, sharing resources, inspiring hope, and enriching lives for a stronger Brookings County by promoting the three pillars of a solid foundation – Education, Health, and Self-Sufficiency. United Way has joined forces with over 200 Funded and Community Partners to better understand the needs of Brookings County and provide creative solutions for our toughest social issues. United Way leverages community donations to provide mental & emotional wellness programs, access to health services, out-of-school support, fight food insecurity and much more. For more information, visit www.brookingsunitedway.org/covid-19 or visit www.coronahelpsd.com site to submit a help request.
COVID-19 INFORMATION
The Swiftel Center facility is currently closed to the public. During this time, the Swiftel Center administrative team will continue to work. Our guests, clients and employees are encouraged to coordinate with the full-time Swiftel Center management team via telephone and online channels. The Swiftel Center website (www.swiftelcenter.com/covid19) will have the most up-to-date information regarding all event-related updates and status changes. Our focus is to ensure we meet our guests, clients and employees’ needs while doing our part to keep our guests, clients and employees as well as our communities safe.
