Meals on Wheels of Virginia Beach and a celebrated local catering company have come together in a most delectable way to provide fresh, healthy meals for Virginia Beach homebound residents. The long-time nonprofit organization is now sourcing its meals from Chef by Design Catering Company, calling the new partnership a match made in culinary heaven.
“They have completely transformed the quality and presentation of our meals,” said Tracie Miner, executive director of Meals on Wheels of Virginia Beach. “Our patrons just keep raving about it.”
The collaboration came together earlier this fall, when Miner began the search for a new food service provider. She circulated the news among friends and found a choice opportunity with Marcy and John Patrick Telfer, owners of Chef by Design.
A chef in high demand, John served as protégé of the first Master Chef in the United States, Milos Cihelka. His wife Marcy has worked in the food and service industry for more than 18 years. Together, they built a catering company known for their thoughtful approach in developing creative, customized menus for all occasions.
Wanting to bring this same philosophy to Meals on Wheels of Virginia Beach patrons, the Telfers stepped up to the plate. The couple knew a thing or two about cooking for a mature palate. Marcy’s 80-year-old mother lives near them, and John had been whipping up taste-tempting meals for her.
“We wanted to meet the clients where they are, serving foods they love and recognize,” said Marcy. “We use fresh, high-quality ingredients and make everything from scratch including our sauces, dressings and pastries.”
Each week, the Chef by Design staff prepares approximately 1,200 meals—one for lunch and another for supper. A typical hot meal may include roasted chicken with mashed potatoes and baby carrots or glazed ham with sweet potato mashers and corn, among other delights. For the second meal there’s fresh tuna, egg or chicken salad, or lunch meat, served on whole wheat bread, a flaky croissant or a multi-grain wrap. Salad and fresh fruit are included. Desserts are home-baked, too.
There’s a lot of love behind the meals,” Marcy said. “Even if it’s a simple meal, it’s going to taste amazing.”
Once the food is prepared, the Chef by Design team delivers the entrees to King’s Grant Presbyterian Church. Meals on Wheels of Virginia Beach volunteers then distribute the meals Monday through Friday. Since the pandemic, the delivery process has been contact-free and conducted at a distance, with drivers leaving meals at the door and waving hello. Many clients are elderly or convalescing. Both the nourishing meals and personal connection have been more important than ever this year.
Miner’s phone has been ringing off the hook since partnering with Chef by Design.
“Our clients call weekly with messages about how much they love the food and what a difference it is making in their health. It’s a great incentive for them to get up, get dressed and enjoy a wonderful meal,” Miner said. “We’re so grateful to be working with Marcy and John.”
It’s been good for the Telfers, too.
“COVID-19 has taken a terrible toll on the hospitality and event industry. This has kept our staff working and engaged,” Marcy said. “We thought we could be an answer for Meals on Wheels of Virginia Beach. As it turned out, it was a blessing for both parties.”
To learn more about Meals on Wheels of Virginia Beach, the services they provide or to volunteer or make a donation, please visit www.mealsonwheelsvb.org.
Meals on Wheels of Virginia Beach has been delivering hot, healthy meals, safety checks and peace of mind to Virginia Beach homebound neighbors since 1947. The 501(c)3 nonprofit organization is governed by a board of directors. It is not affiliated with other regional community-based meal service programs. Meals on Wheels of Virginia Beach is funded through fundraising, community organizations and private donations. To learn more, visit www.mealsonwheelsvb.org