Fresh Ideas Navigation of COVID-19

Fresh Ideas provides happiness by producing a fresh food experience for people of all ages.  We are committed to continuing this promise as we navigate the COVID-19.  Our partners, clients and guests are part of the Fresh Ideas family and we are committed to their health, safety and wellbeing. Read about the latest decisions being made by Fresh Ideas in preparation and handling this unprecedented event.

Update March 23, 2020:

Fresh Ideas Supports Local Food Bank

Fresh Ideas encourages all businesses and individuals to join them in supporting The Food Bank in this time of increased need.  Many children depend on the meals they get from school which are now closed.  People are out of work as businesses are closing and don’t know where they will get their next meal. It will take all of us working together to get through these trying times.  How will you help?

Food Bank of Central & Northeast Missouri – https://sharefoodbringhope.org/

Update March 21, 2020:

Fresh Ideas Teams up with Brescia University to Support Local Firefighters

“Our firefighters are on the front lines during any emergency situation, and this is no exception. We are humbled to have been able to support them with a donation of food, made possible through our partnerships with Specialty Foods Group and Fresh Ideas Food Service.” – Brescia University

Food Service Director, Jeremy Mattingly and his team dropped off food and supplies to Firehouse #4, which will be distributed throughout the firehouses in Owensboro. A big thank you to Brescia for partnering with Fresh Ideas to make a difference in the community.

#ResilientLikeABearcat #TeamKentucky #Togetherky

Update March 17, 2020:

Commitment to our Fresh Ideas Family

This is a challenging time for our country.  Thank you for everything you do for Fresh Ideas, your account and the community. Unfortunately, what is happening is beyond our control and as the nation grapples with the effort to contain the coronavirus, many industries have been challenged, and our company is no different.

Our owners made a commitment on our call this morning to keep employees working and paid for two weeks. Their promise to employees – We will take care of you. It is our responsibility to our employees and clients to keep our most valuable assets – our employees – working, to find work for them at our units and to reduce our turnover.

As always, reach out to the owners, the leadership team or HR with any questions. Together, we will get through this and be stronger for it.

Update March 13, 2020:

Currently we are all experiencing challenges and uncertainty in the midst of Coronavirus COVID-19.  Fresh Ideas is committed to our clients, our team and our customers to work together to find solutions as we navigate through this unprecedented event.

We understand that the current situation is an impactful global experience, potentially having a negative effect on many. Fresh Ideas also recognizes that this situation may have a financial impact.  We are evaluating the current situation at each account and developing plans to meet the needs of our partners, our team and our customers.

The Fresh Ideas commitment to our partners also includes a clean and safe environment for everyone. Our dining operations are working to ensure that they surpass the latest guidance on hygiene and cleaning. Because of this, you will see our team members being more proactive and increasing sanitation, educating our team on prevention and emphasizing more frequent and proper hand washing.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to any member of the Fresh Ideas leadership team with any questions.

Dennis Owens
President, Fresh Ideas

Update March 10, 2020:

Fresh Ideas Commitment to Cleanliness:

Fresh Ideas commitment to our partners includes a safe and clean environment for everyone. Our dining operations will ensure that they are surpassing the latest guidance on hygiene and cleaning. Because of this, you will see our team being more proactive and taking additional sanitation precautions. Our dining facilities health and safety measures address a broad spectrum of viruses, including COVID-19, and include everything from handwashing hygiene and education, additional cleaning specifications, as well as dining room and food preparation area cleaning procedures.

For the most updated information, please refer to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or your local health authority.

Update March 4, 2020:

We wanted to inform you of the progress we have made in our planning of the Pandemic Preparation Plan.  This plan is fluid and will change to meet the needs of your community and plan.

Food Security

In the case of isolation or a quarantined campus.  We have made arrangements with our main food purveyor to secure food to feed residents 2 full nutritious and well-balanced meals for 14 days, breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  We will have a lead culinarian on site.

If the Campus is on lockdown we have arranged a street drop off of product to the closest accessible pickup location to the kitchen.  We have sourced packaging for food that may have to be served to residents in isolation.

We have secured individual packaging for meals if needed for quarantined persons on campus.  We will work with you on the details of the plan.

Educating our Employees

We are having meetings with our employees to make sure they know the best ways to prevent contracting the Coronavirus as well as the symptoms and monitoring the spread.  We have educated employees to be ready for a potential outbreak and the best ways to keep them, their families, and our clients safe.

Please reach out to me with any questions or concerns.  We will continue to partner with you in this planning process and keep you informed as plans progress on our end.

Dennis Owens
President, Fresh Ideas

February 26, 2020 – Fresh Ideas Pandemic Preparedness Plan

Fresh Ideas is enhancing our pandemic preparedness plan to ensure we can service your community in the situation of a coronavirus outbreak.

We are reviewing the Center for Disease Control and World Health Organization guidelines, partnering with our food distributors on food delivery and putting measures in place for food security.

Fresh Ideas is committed to providing food for your community throughout this process.

Your Director will reach out to request your collaboration in the plan of how we take care of your students and campus in case of an emergency.

Below are a few good resources.

https://openwho.org/courses/introduction-to-ncov

https://openwho.org/

We look forward to working with you on the plan for your campus.  Let me know if you have any questions.

Dennis Owens
President, Fresh Ideas