PHOENIX — We're Open, Arizona! That's what many local restaurants and contributors want you to know. Check out this labor of love.
RELATED: We're Open Arizona! How to support local restaurants, businesses
FARM OFFERING GRAB-AND-GO BOXES OF PRODUCE
McClendon's Select is a family-owned farm of certified organic fruits and vegetables that normally go to restaurants throughout our state.
With the decline to restaurant access, owner Kate McClendon has created grab-and-go boxes filled with produce. There are three sizes, priced at either $50, $70 or $90. Dates and pickup locations are updated each week, according to the farm's Facebook page.
Reservations for Saturdays pickup in Scottsdale and Uptown should open at some point on Wednesday, March 25, according to a post on Facebook Click here to place your order, and either you go to pick it up or have a delivery service do it for you. They're asking, for everyone's safety, if you are sick, please stay home.
You are encouraged to go to their McClendon's Select Facebook pageto see the updates for Saturday's locations. You can also send them a direct message on Facebook. Pickup is normally between 8 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Then, if there's anything left after that, it will be first come, first served. Unclaimed boxes are typically posted on Facebook at noon on pickup day.
They're also asking for help with a GoFundMe page.
If the farm goes under, they shared that it would cost a fortune to classify the soil as organic again. The donations will help keep payroll for employees so they can "continue to tend to the hundreds of thousands of plants in the ground, or they will be lost. With everyone trying to eat healthy right now and the stores having a hard time staying stocked, we can fill that niche if we can keep the labor through this chaotic time to keep the food chain moving. If there is a complete shut down, we are likely considered an essential business, which means we could continue to operate to grow and sell produce."
CHEFS GIVING FREE MEALS TO THOSE OUT OF WORK IN THE FOOD INDUSTRY
Here is another way to help feed the ones who normally feed us!
Chef Marissa Delgado and Chef Kellie Roegado used to work for a catering company and are now cooking up -- and giving away -- "social distancing to-go meals" to anyone in the food and beverage industries who have found themselves out of work.
From 3 p.m. - 8 p.m. today, March 25, they will pass out meals from a relative's home in south Phoenix. Family portions will be available, too, according to an online flier.
Last week, they passed out more than 100 containers of Spanish chicken soup and 80 large artisan salads. Wednesday's menu is red chili Chilaquiles. Click here to see the Facebook event.
It's first come, first served. They also have a GoFundMe link to help support costs. The two said they will keep hosting dinners until the finances run out.
IF YOU GO:
1044 E Gary Way, Phoenix, AZ 85042
March 25, 3 p.m. - 8 p.m.
We're Open, Arizona: We know this is a tough time for a lot of people in our community, including local restaurants and businesses. As local spots continue to serve takeout, look for ways to safely do business, and give back to our community, we want to share their stories. Visit abc15.com/open or email us at OpenInAZ@abc15.com.
