|
|
April 29, 2005/Nisan 20 5765, Volume 57, No. 35
Meals to be cooked onsite at JCC senior center
LEISAH NAMM
Managing Editor
After a number of complaints from participants about the poor quality of food served at the Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center Senior Center, the JCC has announced that by the end of May, meals will be prepared onsite rather than transported from the JCC campus in Scottsdale.
Before the Central Phoenix facility moved to Beth El Congregation in March, Chef Robert Eagle prepared all meals in an onsite kitchen.
Since the senior center relocated, meals have been cooked by Dad's Deli on the Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus in Scottsdale, then transported to Beth El and reheated.
JCC seniors have complained that the food lacks flavor and that portions are smaller.
A recent restaurant review by Howard Seftel in The Arizona Republic described Dad's Deli food as "flavorless" and "bland."
Mark Shore, JCC president, said onsite preparation would address two concerns: the rising cost of gasoline to transport meals across town, and keeping home-delivery meals at an appropriate temperature.
"But more importantly, it's to respond to the request of the seniors to provide 'home-cooked meals,'" Shore said.
The JCC has contracted with Suzanne Fuchs, a kosher caterer, to cook meals in Beth El's kitchen.
The center serves seniors ages 60 and older, as well as people with disabilities, with meals, socialization and educational and cultural programs. It also is the only program for kosher home-delivered meals in the Valley.
Jewish News was unable to talk with anyone at the senior center for this story, as the facility was closed for the Passover holiday.
|
|
