(Continued from May 12, 2010)
During the half-hour ride to the farm, Thea explained about the distribution of produce and fruit. Rather than establishing a sort of food bank system, where one can pretend to be a needy person, my daughter and her late father had created a referral system. People would point out genuinely needy families, often mentioning specific details and circumstances.
“Such clearly defined information would probably make an investigation unnecessary,” I remarked.
“That is correct. We commence deliveries and our volunteers will, in a short period of time, learn a lot about the families.”
“The fact that you specify ‘needy families’ makes me think that your emphasis is on improving circumstances for children. When there is a shortage of money, the meals are often not nutritious enough for the normal development of young bodies.”
“That is a very astute observation,” Thea said with a big smile. “Our organic vegetables and fruits will supply all the necessary vitamins for kids. In some instances, our volunteers will actually prepare the meals in the home.”
“I assume that you are referring to situations, where parents, because of illness or accidents, cannot perform household chores.”
“That is right. Those situations occur and they present our volunteers with the opportunity to interact with kids. For instance, they will teach youngsters how to prepare simple meals while observing all the safety rules.”
Related to the in-home preparation of meals, there was one more feature about which Thea was very enthusiastic. Fairly recently, since she had become owner of the farm, my daughter had renovated the kitchen of the farmhouse. The new equipment and appliances allowed the staff to prepare meals on the premises. Those could then be delivered to persons who were incapable of doing their own cooking.
“We have developed a recipe for a tremendously tasty vegetable soup in which we use very little salt and a great variety of herbs. Apparently, kids love our soup. Incidentally, when I was in the main house with aunt, I phoned the main cook in the farmhouse. I advised her that you and I would be having lunch there. Since you are a great connoisseur of foods, I would like your opinion on the quality of our dishes.”
I told Thea that I would take my job as official taster very seriously. If I would feel that there was a need for it, I would suggest improvements.
(To be continued)