Greetings and Salutations!
The first year of business has indeed been an adventure. At this point in our journey, we have decided to eliminate the weekly menu of hot dishes available for delivery. The purpose was to provide personal chef-type services to many clients at once utilizing a bulk expense model in efforts to keep costs down. Unfortunately, we are unable to continue this model. So it's time to get back to basics, redefine the mission, and forge new ways to serve our clients and our community. Read on for more information about our new goals and services in keeping with our ideals and why we started this whole thing to begin with...
THE MYTHS EXPOSED...
1. Just because a store carries organic and natural groceries does not mean they are a charity. They are a business. The markup in areas that are less populated than major coastal areas is unconscionable. This makes it nearly impossible for many who are interested in better health to buy quality groceries within their means.
2. Big Pharma is NOT on your side. They are a business, and a reactionary one at best. Instead of endorsing the idea of prevention, they charge outrageous prices to treat and/or simply mask symptoms.
3. Eating right is "elitist" or only for rich, self-righteous liberals; far too often, those of us who believe in eating right are seen as snobs, wagging our fingers in judgment at others. We shudder at the thought of $3.00/dozen free-range eggs while we pay $1.00 for a can of soda. Why? We've been carefully taught. Truth be told, the critics are often right. It's very easy to be self-righteous and say "here's what you SHOULD be doing." Instead, how about we show others what they CAN do instead of pointing out what they can't? I will always love my chili-cheese fries. I'm no saint. I don't expect that of anyone. I just like to know what I'm eating....
4. We simply don't have time. Eating used to be a fine art, a cornerstone of community and a way to bring us together. We've lost that.
THE MISSION
To serve those with dietary restrictions and/or concerns about our food supply and distribution within the United States and the NWA area.
To educate others about how our food is produced and how proper nutrition/food selection can naturally treat physical/mental issues, both diagnosed and undiagnosed.
To de-mistify the stigma associated with healthy eating by making it accessible, affordable, and necessary not only for health, but for community.
HOW DO WE DO IT?
We start with this here blog:
Every Friday will be a discussion. Current news topics (like our amazing First Lady's fight against childhood obesity); suggestions on how to inspire your kid's palate; easy ways to get better foods in your life; ideas on container gardening (for you urban folk); how to connect with and buy directly from farmers; what's in your food that you don't know about (you'll be shocked, believe me!); and so on. Regardless of where you lie on the foodie/chef spectrum, we'll have lots to talk about and share.
Cooking Classes:
You design your own class! (with a little help from me...) Some ideas include:
Revamping old favorites to fit your lifestyle, diet or budget
Broadening your horizons (learn techniques on gluten-free, raw foods, preserving the harvest, "slow" carbs vs. "low" carbs, and so on. You could also simply want to learn and prepare a four-course menu for your sweetie. It's up to you! The more the merrier! Really. Get your friends involved in the same session and cut the price by HUGE amounts. Oh, and it's a great idea for a party! Crostini and wine, anyone?
Consultations and Meal Planning Services:
Are you new to gluten-free? Just found out your child is a diabetic? I can help you get started. Allergies and other inflammations of the body are on the rise at a staggering rate. I'll help make it easier by creating meal plans, rotation diets, recipes, and even shopping lists to fit within your household budget. The best part? Those of you eligible for the Medicaid waiver can get this service (and maybe others) PAID FOR!!!
Catering Services:
I've been doing catering for years and I really really love it. Whether it's a birthday party, an elegant cocktail reception, or a several course meal for your guests, you can be sure that quality and professional are a guarantee.
Personal Chef Services:
Beginning with a free consultation, we find out how to best suit your needs. All kinds of packages are available at all ranges in price. Most personal chefs will charge for every grocery item, regardless of how much is used for you. I instead charge a pantry fee, which is a low percent of items I regularly stock. I mean, come on, are you really supposed to pay for that entire 5 lb. bag of flour? Really? You DO NOT have to be rich to afford a personal chef service. And, again, if you get your friends involved the costs can be even more affordable.
WHAT WE DO:
Work with farmers and local providers to ensure the highest quality of goods and services.
Commit to sustainable and fair trade practices.
Work, when possible and appropriate, with organic foods.
Vote with our business dollars every time we purchase a product.
Answer any and all questions we can. If we don't know, we'll find out.
WHAT WE DON'T DO:
Artificial preservatives or additives
Genetically modified foods
High-fructose corn syrup and any ingredient we can't pronounce
Windows
We hope to see you around the kitchen.
Till then, happy eating to you and yours.
Jen Kiple Mattson
The Grateful Kitchen
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