by SOPHIE BIRD
Editor’s update—April 8, 2020: The One World Enterprises free daily “Family Meal” program has been expanded to now include the local artistic community and their families. Learn more at bloomington.com/rbfood.
One World Enterprises is offering free meals to Bloomington restaurant and service workers who have been laid off during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Much of our city’s restaurant/bar staff has been laid off or is facing layoff,” said co-owner Jeff Mease in a Linkedin post. “We are concerned that these employees are not prepared for this.”
In order to alleviate the burden on these workers, One World Catering is providing service workers facing unemployment with a free daily “Family Meal,” featuring vegan, omnivore, and gluten-free options. The meals are available from 2–4 p.m. Monday through Friday and are prepared by One World Catering employees, who are currently volunteering.
“We have laid off 100% of our One World Catering employees,” Mease told Bloom. “They are volunteering to prepare food for others.”
The meals can be ordered through the One World website at www.bloomington.com/rbfood. The food is served in returnable, reusable plastic containers that are microwave safe. Containers will be sanitized for reuse upon their return to One World Catering.
“These are at no cost to the recipient and One World will do this for as long as it takes,” Mease said. “We will continue to practice an extremely high level of sanitation, and we will expect that of our guests.”
Meals can be picked up at One World at Woolery Mill, 2250 W. Sunstone Drive. One World employees will deliver the meal to recipients’ vehicles to minimize contact.
In addition to One World Catering, One World Enterprises also includes Pizza X, Bloomington Brewing Co., Lennie’s, and Hive.
