[EnglishJW]

Originally Posted by CFrance

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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.]

Originally Posted by camaguey48

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]

Originally Posted by EnglishJW

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]

Originally Posted by EnglishJW

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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.