Catering company feeding frontline workers

HURON — Normally, around this time of year, they're preparing food for brides, grooms and all of their wedding guests inside a hall. But the staff at Mesenburg Creative Catering isn't married to only serving a certain customer base in the namesake's plaza on Cleveland Road. During the past few days, the company accepted donations from community members to make meals for frontline health care-related professionals. Mesenburg employees, while wearing personal protective equipment, even deliver the food to them. Some recent recipients include Huron firefighters and Firelands Regional Medical Center nurses assigned to the hospital's COVID-19 unit. Additionally, at no cost, Mesenburg prepared boxed lunches for 160 out-of-work international students stuck in the local area. "We are trying to be more engaged with our community who need our help," said Adam Machoukas, a partner with the catering company. Mesenburg's employees extensively clean their hands, utensils and food before preparing and cooking these items. They also pack the meals in a particular way. "Nothing can be family style or buffet," said Machoukas, noting the company's new coronavirus-influenced standards. "It has to be something people can grab, like sandwiches, and not share." Machoukas encourages people to reach out and contact Mesenburg's if they're so inclined to make a donation so "essential" workers or others in need get fed. "This is the first time we have done something like this. But it's a unique opportunity," Machoukas said. "We want to help out. If we can alleviate some stress, we're more than happy to do it."