Covid friendly platter(s) for a Rec Center party

[EnglishJW]

I would like some advice. We are planning a party of 24 people in a Recreation Center room which we will be renting. We intend to bring a couple of cases of water but would also like to have some simple, safe food for everyone. A platter or two would do but we don't feel some of the guests would be comfortable eating from an open platter. We do not want to ask the people coming to bring any food with them. We spoke with the people at our local Publix and TooJays but didn't come up with anything we thought would work. We are hoping to find a way to bring in simple things (e.g., slider sized sandwiches) that are individually wrapped. We will be very thankful for any and all suggestions but we do indeed intend to go ahead so please don't tell us not to have the party.

[tophcfa]

Individually wrapped paper plates/bowls of various snacks.

[Bill14564]

There are a lot of options for bite-sized or individually-wrapped snacks, crackers, or cookies.

At one gathering someone had purchased small (2oz?) cups with lids and had put hummus in to go along with the individual packs of crackers.

I've seen small sandwiches made from dinner rolls that could be individually wrapped.

For most ideas some person will have handled the food before it was served to the guests, either as little as putting wrapped packages onto a tray or as much as cooking and individually wrapping the items. I don't think you can avoid that but if the person preparing and serving was careful to handle the food safely it would minimize any risk.

[camaguey48]

I would like some advice. We are planning a party of 24 people in a Recreation Center room which we will be renting. We intend to bring a couple of cases of water but would also like to have some simple, safe food for everyone. A platter or two would do but we don't feel some of the guests would be comfortable eating from an open platter. We do not want to ask the people coming to bring any food with them. We spoke with the people at our local Publix and TooJays but didn't come up with anything we thought would work. We are hoping to find a way to bring in simple things (e.g., slider sized sandwiches) that are individually wrapped. We will be very thankful for any and all suggestions but we do indeed intend to go ahead so please don't tell us not to have the party.
Don't do it.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Buy some sub sandwiches. Wash and sanitized your hands, put on your mask and cut them up into individual portions and then wrap them in saran wrap.

[dnobles]

Subs and cut up to small pieces. Kielbasa cook cut up on toothpicks. Deviled eggs

[JSR22]

purchase boxed hero's from jersey mike. they come with chips and a cookie. they deliver. Enjoy your party.

[RedChariot]

For dessert send for a box of Cheryl's cookies. Box comes in different sizes with each cookie individually wrapped. Available through QVC or the Cheryl cookie website.

[Boomer]

You bring up a timely quandary that has been on my mind, too. We want to get a group of about 20 people together. Everybody is of the age to have been vaccinated, but I can’t figure out how to feed that many without a buffet line.

I think some of us now are going to have a baked-in weirdness about buffet style and party trays for a while.

Last summer, I entertained my book club in the driveway. I used small gift bags and put in little bags of snacks, an envelope of hand-sanitizer, and a wrapped straw. I had a cooler of canned wine and bottled water.

Box-lunches could work, but I can’t think of anywhere in TV that does that. Box-lunches would cut out group-handling in a buffet line, but then you have to offer choices all boxed up and hope everybody does not want the same thing. Box-lunches would be a version of carry-out like many of us have been using for a year.

Maybe Publix needs to go into the box-lunch business.

I will follow this thread and hope somebody has an answer to this. It doesn’t feel right to try to entertain a group without offering food or to offer food and weird out some people and end up with a bunch of leftovers. I can’t figure out the answer yet. I think we are emerging into a rather strange social expectation. I hope we soon get past it.

Boomer Stewart

[JSR22]

You bring up a timely quandary that has been on my mind, too. We want to get a group of about 20 people together. Everybody is of the age to have been vaccinated, but I can’t figure out how to feed that many without a buffet line.

I think some of us now are going to have a baked-in weirdness about buffet style and party trays for a while.

Last summer, I entertained my book club in the driveway. I used small gift bags and put in little bags of snacks, an envelope of hand-sanitizer, and a wrapped straw. I had a cooler of canned wine and bottled water.

Box-lunches could work, but I can’t think of anywhere in TV that does that. Box lunches would cut down on group-handling in a buffet line, but then you have to offer choices all boxed up and hope everybody does not want the same thing. Box lunches would be the same thing as carry-out like many of us have been using for a year.

Maybe Publix needs to go into the box-lunch business.

I will follow this thread and hope somebody has an answer to this. To try to entertain a group without offering food or to offer food and weird out some people just doesn’t feel right. I can’t figure out the answer yet. I think we are emerging into a completely different social expectation. I hope we soon get past it.

Boomer Stewart

Honey Baked Ham has boxed meals and quite a variety and so does TooJays.

[EnglishJW]

Don't do it. I guess you didn't read my post.

[mulligan]

McDonald's Happy Meals

[Vikingjunior]

Just make it a "bring your own food party"

[Two Bills]

Every one eats Pizza and :popcorn:

[chet2020]

Coronavirus is spread mainly by aerosol, not surface to surface. You will have 24 people in an enclosed room. I don't believe the food is the main concern, but enjoy the party!

[vintageogauge]

I'm not sure if they changed the rules but recently food was not allowed at any gatherings in the rec. centers. Groups such as Bunco used to have snacks but it is no longer allowed. You might want to check with them unless you already have.

[camaguey48]

I guess you didn't read my post.
Sure did. Don't do it

[Villageswimmer]

Coronavirus is spread mainly by aerosol, not surface to surface. You will have 24 people in an enclosed room. I don't believe the food is the main concern, but enjoy the party!


Agree. Food is not the problem.

[oldtimes]

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[mlmarr1]

Panera Bread, Check with Little Bits..southern trace.. so many ideas..

[mlmarr1]

Panera bread dose box lunches..

[Joanne19335]

Just make it a "bring your own food party"

I realize that most of us are anxious to socialize again, but BYOF and BYOB is the best way to go. I didn’t see the word “masks” yet, but it would be a good idea to wear one when you’re not eating. I have been fully vaccinated for almost two months, but I would wear a mask in a room with 24 people. Also, be sure the room is properly ventilated.

[Rwirish]

24 people in a Rec Center. Good to know the virus is over!

[La lamy]

Don't do it.

:1rotfl: :1rotfl: :1rotfl:

[La lamy]

Toothpicks are very useful for pieces of cheese, pieces of sausages, olives etc... Good luck.

[tsmall22204]

So you are not afraid to bring 24 people together but are afraid of open food. You need to reasses what you are doing

[epratt]

Our ladies group of 12-15 people meets at Colony Rec Center once a month. Each person brings a savory or dessert. 2 people (with gloves and masks) serve the food. We bring an urn for hot water for tea but everyone brings their own drink if they do not want tea. They allow 2 people per table. It has worked fine so far. That being said, if one or two people make sandwiches and wrap them individually there should be no problem.

[PugMom]

Panera Bread, Check with Little Bits..southern trace.. so many ideas..

best idea so far. they pkg everything neatly & the food is very good. can't go wrong-they also cater

[PugMom]

So you are not afraid to bring 24 people together but are afraid of open food. You need to reasses what you are doing

please leave the man alone-we know how you feel...:ho:

[MandG]

JUst do a “boxed lunch” for everyone with a wrapped sandwich, a cookie and a small container of fresh fruit. I’m sure Publix would do this for you.

[Joanne and Mike]

If requested, Publix will cut sandwiches into 4 pieces. Buy a box of sandwich bags at Publix to bag each sandwich. Sams Club sells boxes of individual chips.

[l2ridehd]

Pizza maybe, or go to Macdonald’s or Burger King and order plain hamburgers or cheeseburgers for each guest. They are already wrapped and about $1 each.

[Barb.callow]

For dessert send for a box of Cheryl's cookies. Box comes in different sizes with each cookie individually wrapped. Available through QVC or the Cheryl cookie website.

I can vouch for quality and the “sanctity” of Cheryl’s cookies. I order them all the time for gifts. Lots of varieties, individually wrapped. A great dessert option.

[charmed59]

You might be overthinking this. People who feel comfortable attending a party with a few dozen people inside eating aren’t going to be worried about individually wrapped food. Go with what you think they would like to eat. You could have a gloved person serve the food and call it a day.

[richs631]

I would like some advice. We are planning a party of 24 people in a Recreation Center room which we will be renting. We intend to bring a couple of cases of water but would also like to have some simple, safe food for everyone. A platter or two would do but we don't feel some of the guests would be comfortable eating from an open platter. We do not want to ask the people coming to bring any food with them. We spoke with the people at our local Publix and TooJays but didn't come up with anything we thought would work. We are hoping to find a way to bring in simple things (e.g., slider sized sandwiches) that are individually wrapped. We will be very thankful for any and all suggestions but we do indeed intend to go ahead so please don't tell us not to have the party.

Bring your food the same way you always did it. If someone’s afraid they won’t eat. Your not going to convince someone who’s afraid. Just be yourself

[spieka1912]

Coronavirus is spread mainly by aerosol, not surface to surface. You will have 24 people in an enclosed room. I don't believe the food is the main concern, but enjoy the party!

chet2020 is correct, food isn’t the concern. 24 people in a room is the concern even though the vaccine is being distributed. Covid-19 is not gone. Have fun.

[bncuhler@verizon.net]

Panera individually wraps every sandwich.

[TandHSTAR@AOL.com]

Heavenly Ham make up great individual lunch boxes.

[Pat2015]

He said that everyone has been vaccinated and after more than a year of this it’s time to get back to some normalcy!

[mulligan]

so back to the op's original question. Do you really want covid friendly food, or would anti-covid be more appropriate. Just like anti-social distancing.

[Bethwill]

Vaccinated people will not catch the virus, and food will NOT be a problem. Enjoy your party.

[EnglishJW]

I'm not sure if they changed the rules but recently food was not allowed at any gatherings in the rec. centers. Groups such as Bunco used to have snacks but it is no longer allowed. You might want to check with them unless you already have.

I am not sure where you were given this information. We have already checked with the Recreation Department and food is certainly allowed.

[Dot Rheinhardt]

McAlisters or Honey Baked Ham individual box lunches - sandwiches, side cookie.

[CFrance]

He said that everyone has been vaccinated and after more than a year of this it’s time to get back to some normalcy!
If that's true about everyone being vaccinated, and it's also true that the rec center allows food, and it's true that transmitting the virus through food doesn't happen (which has been said all along), then go back to the normal way you served food before the pandemic and don't worry about it.


It's also true that was the longest sentence I've ever written. Sorry.

[EnglishJW]

Thank you to everyone who has responded. We haven't made any decisions yet about the food but we will have something (while also taking gluten free and vegetarian into account). Honestly, many of you seem to have no idea about what has been and is actually going on within our Recreation Centers. There are many group gatherings in virtually all of the centers. We are dancers and it has often been nearly impossible to find an empty room in a rec center. One additional point, our food decision is being made out of consideration for our guests.

[EnglishJW]

If that's true about everyone being vaccinated, and it's also true that the rec center allows food, and it's true that transmitting the virus through food doesn't happen (which has been said all along), then go back to the normal way you served food before the pandemic and don't worry about it.


It's also true that was the longest sentence I've ever written. Sorry.

I did not say that everyone has been vaccinated. I don't know anything about this.

[nhtexasrn]

I would like some advice. We are planning a party of 24 people in a Recreation Center room which we will be renting. We intend to bring a couple of cases of water but would also like to have some simple, safe food for everyone. A platter or two would do but we don't feel some of the guests would be comfortable eating from an open platter. We do not want to ask the people coming to bring any food with them. We spoke with the people at our local Publix and TooJays but didn't come up with anything we thought would work. We are hoping to find a way to bring in simple things (e.g., slider sized sandwiches) that are individually wrapped. We will be very thankful for any and all suggestions but we do indeed intend to go ahead so please don't tell us not to have the party.

Have the party!! If you order platters of food just have serving tongs so no one actually touches the food with their hands. If people are that concerned, they probably won't attend anyway. Have fun!!

[G.R.I.T.S.]

Don't do it.

Agreed. It sounds like the things I concerned myself with when considering a similar function. I finally decided to go ahead and provide a safe as possible environment. Those uncomfortable will stay home.

[FromNY]

Even pre Covid-19 food at functions was always a concern, allergies, peoples personal hygiene, cat or dog fur. Life I s a risk take what works for you and hope birthday the best outcome. As adults we are capable of making choices. My thought covid friendly means bring your own. Besides after Covid-19 pounds do we nfind? Lots of food?

[CFrance]

I did not say that everyone has been vaccinated. I don't know anything about this.
True, you didn't. My bad.

[Dbraisted]

Most sub places even Publix will cut subs in quarters and wrap them. Ruby Tuesday has a box of gloves at their salad bar so platters where everyone uses a glove to serve themselves should also work. Glove and mask until you sit down to eat.

[vds2020]

I used Jersey Mike’s when we had a get together in CA before we left. They can do a box of turkey sandwiches and you can label it etc.,. Same with cookies and all is individually wrapped. Buy assorted chip bags from Sam’s. It worked out well

[Penny s]

Have some one serve with gloves

[vintageogauge]

I am not sure where you were given this information. We have already checked with the Recreation Department and food is certainly allowed.

I noted that I wasn't sure and that it was recent and may have been changed.. Some activities still require the masks also. I'm glad they now allow food in the rec. centers. At Water Lilly you still have to wear masks and if you want food it has to be brought in individually and not shared, this was as of last week.

[rosaleemusgrave]

I would like some advice. We are planning a party of 24 people in a Recreation Center room which we will be renting. We intend to bring a couple of cases of water but would also like to have some simple, safe food for everyone. A platter or two would do but we don't feel some of the guests would be comfortable eating from an open platter. We do not want to ask the people coming to bring any food with them. We spoke with the people at our local Publix and TooJays but didn't come up with anything we thought would work. We are hoping to find a way to bring in simple things (e.g., slider sized sandwiches) that are individually wrapped. We will be very thankful for any and all suggestions but we do indeed intend to go ahead so please don't tell us not to have the party.

Check with FireHouse Subs. They have a platter pack of individually wrapped 3" sandwiches. 352-430-3870

[newbie1758]

I believe "Chicken Salad Chick" does box lunches too.

[Barborv]

Panera does individually boxed food. We do it at my school at our facility lunches .

[mtnest917]

I bought tiny containers from dollar store (hold about 2 tablespoons). I made 3 kinds of dips and put into containers that could be thrown away after. I used large tongs for pretzels and crackers. I have also seen popcorn prepacked in large coffee cups with saran. You could do the same thing with goldfish etc. Other than that, I would suggest pre-making sandwiches and wrapping. But with condments, etc. That could be iffy. My best idea that I use is the large tongs. I like the ones with plastic claws at the end. Any item you want is easy to pick up yet not touched by human hands. Tongs are cheap.

[gadaboutgal]

Best to stay away from any common serving items such as spoons, forks, tongs-Just about the same as shaking hands with one another.
There are many many possibilities to serve individual items-use toothpicks and skewers for fruits, meats, cheeses, veggies, use paper baking cups for mini sweet roll sliders, single serve salads in bowls and covered with plastic.

[jimjamuser]

I would like some advice. We are planning a party of 24 people in a Recreation Center room which we will be renting. We intend to bring a couple of cases of water but would also like to have some simple, safe food for everyone. A platter or two would do but we don't feel some of the guests would be comfortable eating from an open platter. We do not want to ask the people coming to bring any food with them. We spoke with the people at our local Publix and TooJays but didn't come up with anything we thought would work. We are hoping to find a way to bring in simple things (e.g., slider sized sandwiches) that are individually wrapped. We will be very thankful for any and all suggestions but we do indeed intend to go ahead so please don't tell us not to have the party.
OK, I won't suggest waiting until all are vaccinated to throw a party. So, in the interest of human safety, could you please, at least, have the party outside. Or, maybe on the deck of a sailboat - maybe one sailing for Vladivostok, Russia.

[Northwoods]

I just had an event a Rec. center. They have very specific rules about food. You must have someone hand out the food (people cannot help themselves.). It has to be served with tongs. Everything has to be single serve. I was also told if you bring in food you can’t take it out even if no one touches it. It has to be thrown away.
Now... in reality they never checked on us and we were able to leave with extra food.
You should check with the Rec. Center because it will help you decide what you want to do.

[bpascani]

This may sound a bit different, but, we went to a memorial service a month or so ago, at Forest Lawn Funeral Home and Memory Gardens, and they have a catering service. Of course, with Covid, this one was done a bit different, and they provided exactly what you are asking for.. There were about 25 people there, and the family chose 2 different boxed/wrapped lunches. And it was really good. I don't know if they would do something for you or not. It is actually located on 301, really close to Belleview, so you don't have to go all the way to Ocala...you might want to check with them. Their phone number is 352 622 8181 5740 S Pin Ave Ocala, Fl. Have fun, stay safe!

[EnglishJW]

OK, I won't suggest waiting until all are vaccinated to throw a party. So, in the interest of human safety, could you please, at least, have the party outside. Or, maybe on the deck of a sailboat - maybe one sailing for Vladivostok, Russia.

Gee, thanks for your open minded and well thought out response. If you intend to honor your own wishes, I can gladly come over and nail all the doors and windows of your house shut until everything is over.

[jimjamuser]

Gee, thanks for your open minded and well thought out response. If you intend to honor your own wishes, I can gladly come over and nail all the doors and windows of your house shut until everything is over.
You are welcome for my well-thought-out response. It was actually a 5-second response and I was tired and bored. But, here is a funny and REAL fact that illustrates our divergent views on this subject and the larger nationwide viewpoints that are causing consternation today. The NY Times did a survey and found that one group of Americans overvalued the risks of CV and another group consistently undervalued the CV risks. You seem to be of the undervalue-the-risks group. And I the over-value. Isn't that interesting. I hope that your get-together is extremely enjoyable. And I wonder if those 2 groups of Americans will EVER be able to knit themselves back together again as it was in the '60s through '70s? Good luck.

[EnglishJW]

You are welcome for my well-thought-out response. It was actually a 5-second response and I was tired and bored. But, here is a funny and REAL fact that illustrates our divergent views on this subject and the larger nationwide viewpoints that are causing consternation today. The NY Times did a survey and found that one group of Americans overvalued the risks of CV and another group consistently undervalued the CV risks. You seem to be of the undervalue-the-risks group. And I the over-value. Isn't that interesting. I hope that your get-together is extremely enjoyable. And I wonder if those 2 groups of Americans will EVER be able to knit themselves back together again as it was in the '60s through '70s? Good luck.

I found this response much more valuable albeit not a response to my question. I don't disagree with your characterization of our positions but that was not the conversation I was looking for. We are having a gathering and we want to provide a few small things to those of our friends who will be coming. We respect everyone's positions and decisions. I did not take your initial reply that way.

[vintageogauge]

I just had an event a Rec. center. They have very specific rules about food. You must have someone hand out the food (people cannot help themselves.). It has to be served with tongs. Everything has to be single serve. I was also told if you bring in food you can’t take it out even if no one touches it. It has to be thrown away.
Now... in reality they never checked on us and we were able to leave with extra food.
You should check with the Rec. Center because it will help you decide what you want to do.

So you felt you were above following the rules regarding food leaving the event. Nice.

[thelegges]

OP call the rec center ask what the rules are today. Then make the appropriate decisions on how the food should be presented. Then the conflict of certain people can and should just be ignored