FOOD

There are a number of options for meals for persons on retreat here. While some retreat centers have an established kitchen and kitchen staff that make meals available to all persons on site at each meal time, we do not. Meals are handled in various ways for both groups and individuals.

Groups. People who come to our center as a group either handle their own meals or we provide them for the group. If a group chooses to bring their meals, they can make use of a kitchen or kitchenette area here to prepare them for serving.  One of the retreat houses has a full kitchen available to groups wishing to prepare their meals, while the lodge has a kitchenette area with a refrigerator/freezer, microwave, coffee maker, and instant hot water dispenser. Groups which chose to exercise this option typically come with meals largely pre-prepared and use the local facilities to heat and otherwise prepare them for serving to the group.

When a group wishes to have meals provided for them, we do so through an outside caterer with whom we have a standing arrangement. Prices are available upon request.

Individuals. An individual coming here on retreat typically eats meals on his or her own personal schedule. This arrangement is particularly convenient for persons choosing to include some degree of fasting in their retreat time. You may choose to bring your own food, often semi-prepared, which is the most inexpensive option. The available facilities (refrigerator/freezer, microwave, sink, hot water dispenser, dishes and necessary utensils) make it easy to bring and store foods of personal choice and eat them on your own schedule.

An alternative is to eat meals individually, but to utilize meals available here on a self-serve basis. The caterer referred to above makes these meals, mostly frozen and available as needed, for persons preferring this option. By pre-ordering your meals, breakfast, lunch and dinner can be made available for you on a self-serve basis to eat on your own schedule. With the exception of microwave heating, the meals are essentially ready to eat. Pre-ordering gives you some options for dealing with matters of personal taste and health needs. As in the case of group meals, prices are available upon request.

Each of the two retreat houses has a staff couple in residence and an additional option is to eat dinner with the resident staff couple. This option is usually–though not always–available, but is limited to dinner only. This opportunity for interaction with retreatants is welcomed but a request ahead of time is desired.