|
This is a
not-for-profit program created by someone with
a great love of cooking and sharing food; a lifetime of great recipes, and an
empty nest -
plus the joy of knowing that God wants us to share our
gifts, whatever they are!
How
Cook and Share got started . . .
I
LOVE TO COOK! When
I was just 18 years old, my father-in-law told me I was a
natural gourmet cook. After raising four children, plus often
cooking for friends and a large work crew, I was very accustomed to
preparing large amounts of food, and somehow never mastered
the talent of cooking for just one person. I've always loved
to give people pleasure through good food and I really miss cooking many of the
dishes I used to make for friends and family . . . and I have
far too many leftovers if I do!
Seeing
the need a block from home:
Three very elderly sisters nearby who have always
been fiercely independent reached a point in their aging to
obviously need some help, but I wanted to find a way to gently be
of service to them. I could
not imagine these frail ladies trying to get groceries home,
(without a car), then
carry them into the house, and get them unpacked, let alone have the
energy to prepare healthy meals. So, I got the urge to take
them some really delicious healthy meals, but since I don't
know them, I really didn't know how
to approach them without offending their pride and
independence.
For
several years I had stopped each year to let the sisters know I would be
happy to take them to the store in bad weather if they needed
a ride, but not until the 4th year of offering did they
finally admit they needed help. Since it was nearly Christmas,
it was perfect timing for me to
cook up a nice big meal, complete with desserts and take it
to them as a "Christmas gift". They were bewildered,
but
absolutely thrilled. I then took them more home-cooked meals calling
it a "New Year's" gift and have continued to take them food
every weekend since. I just tell them that I believe God
wants me to share my love of cooking and my food with others.
 The Cook and Share Plan:
If you know of any elderly folks in your neighborhood who
could use some nice healthy meals delivered (free) each week... I will
do whatever I can. I also welcome anyone who wants to volunteer to
donate groceries, or cook meals that we can deliver. I'm very grateful to be able to share what I can and take
great pleasure in knowing how much the food is enjoyed and
appreciated.
This would be a wonderful focus for
a new kind of group effort married and singles club, and
definitely a fulfilling project for people with grown families
and empty nests.
Be
sure to call me if you'd like to participate in this effort by
donating food, volunteering to cook or deliver food to our elderly.
It is an honor to help them at this time of their lives. |
