Sweet Greek owner Kathy Tsaples has shared her own traditional avgolemono chicken soup recipe with Greek elders in a special bilingual cooking class.
Elders at Fronditha Care’s Social Support Groups in June were able to follow along and enjoy their efforts in the wintry Melbourne weather.
Also on the menu was moussaka, Greek salad, cheese and spinach tiropites, olives and dips.
“Everything was super tasty and fresh,” Social Support Group participant Angeliki Giannaris said, tucking into a rice-pudding ‘rizogalo’ for dessert.
It’s the start of a partnership between aged care provider Fronditha Care and Sweet Greek. Elders and staff will be able to participate in various cooking classes over the year, and also indulge in discounted ready-made meals from Sweet Greek’s own Cookaborough delivery service.
Fronditha Care CEO Faye Spiteri OAM says it’s important to give clients healthy food options that are culturally specific.
“The Mediterranean Diet is a huge aspect of Greek culture, and we know our elders get a lot of joy from eating food that reminds them of their families and growing their own produce,” Ms Spiteri said.
“We’re very happy to be partnering with Kathy and Sweet Greek to give our clients living at home more options.”
Kathy says the idea for Sweet Greek at home came about after she had to juggle her business and caring for her elderly parents and in-laws.
“I know for many elders dealing with illness or mobility issues, having hearty meals in the freezer can be a godsend,” she said.
“I wanted to give our community a chance to eat what is familiar to them, with the meals they remember from their childhood or their homeland.”
Elders who receive a service from Fronditha Care will receive discounts to the Cookaborough Sweet Greek delivery service. If they have a Home Care Package, 70 per cent of the meals’ cost will be covered.
Sweet Greek offer a seasonal menu and customers can order weekly, with all orders submitted by Tuesday being delivered every Friday. The online platform provides a seamless experience for anyone with a Home Care Package (HCP). All orders are cooked to order and sent out fresh, however customers may choose to freeze the food and consume at a later date.
Fronditha Care values the importance of food in maintaining a healthy life, encouraging social interaction and upholding cultural customs.
On top of the Social Support Groups, Fronditha Care helps our clients at home by cooking fresh meals, take them shopping for fresh produce and serve a Mediterranean menu at our residential facilities that have been approved by dieticians.
