KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A Kansas City woman has been sharing her joy of cooking with her neighbors.
Suellen Dice grew up with a love of food and entertaining. She enjoys shopping for fresh ingredients and planning a menu, but she usually makes too much for one person.
"I generally make enough for five or six, seven neighbors and friends," she said.
So she started sharing her extra food with neighbors who could use a home-cooked meal. But now, because of social distancing amid the coronavirus pandemic, her deliveries look a little different. She lets them know what she has and when she can drop it by, but instead of a chat or hug, she settles for a wave through the window.
Those who receive her meals are always appreciative.
"I always get a sweet little text saying, 'Thanks,' 'You know, you saved our day,'" Dice said.
But it's not a two-way street.
"What's better than food? I mean truly," Dice said. "What's better than a great big bowl of chili? It just gives me joy to do it. There's also a little therapy going on, You know? It's a lot cheaper than a therapist. And so when you've had a stressful day, and we're in a particularly stressful time. this is where I can... and it's a great outlet for me. I think it's all about the chopping, foraging for the ingredients," Dice said.
Dice also said she knows her neighbors are appreciative.
"I know they're at the end of their rope after homeschooling during the day and making the third meal of the day, and just trying to keep their lives together," Dice said, "and how I keep my life together is to cook and give back to them."
