After our July 20^th luncheon we received an email from Walter Reed’s Environmental Health Department with new policies we’re required to follow.

 

I asked if there had been complaints and was told:

 

No, we are just trying to equally apply the standard for special events across NSAB
and ensure that the food served in the best possible way to prevent foodborne illness.

We look forward to working with you, so you can best serve the patients and families.

 

These policies, good food handling procedures, were implemented at today’s luncheon:

• food transported safely to the hospital (already did this).

• food gloves (we already used them).

• head coverings (*flashback* – elementary school lunches and the lunch ladies! We chose ball caps instead of hair nets).

• cold food kept below and hot food kept above specific temperatures during the event (bought food thermometers so we could be assured we were within their requirements).

• hygienic serving equipment (we already did)

And the biggie:

Please be aware that home baked goods i.e. cookies, brownies, or pies are
authorized at this time. Homemade goods i.e. casseroles, salads, or
pot roast have to be store bought.

Today’s luncheon was all store bought.

Our luncheons are a welcome break to the fast food the families live on and have been a mixture of home made and store bought items. This is how we’ve been able to keep the costs down. Example:

• Today’s 4 lbs of pulled pork BBQ and 24 rolls cost $98.58.

• July 20th’s 5 lbs of pulled pork BBQ cost and 24 rolls cost $49.99.

Menu:

Cheese, olives, & pickles, pulled pork BBQ & rolls, tuna fish salad,

chicken noodle soup, potato salad,

fresh fruit salad, cucumber & tomato salad,

chocolate chip cookies, water and assorted drinks.

 

The heath inspector came in to make sure the food was being handled properly, checked the temperature of the food, and gave us “two thumbs up” before he left.

 

We appreciate the need for the food policies and will continue to serve the patients and families in the best possible way.

 

Many thanks to Deb for helping out at the last minute.

Special thanks to our supporters who help make the luncheons happen with their generous donations.

 

And as Gladys said on her Facebook page:

Although the number of wounded patients has decreased, there is still a need to support those who have sustained injuries while defending our country. Marine Moms-Bethesda will be there until the last patient and their family members go home.

That’s the Plan.

 “Adapt and overcome.”

 

Until next time, continued prayers for our military and their families.

Semper Gumby,