Winslow caterer makes pivot to help community during time of crisis

By Mark Huard

WINSLOW — When trying times take away your ability to live life as you have, what do you do? Well the northern Kennebec County community certainly knows what Rita Lacroix- Menoudarakos, of Rita’s Catering, does in tough times — she cooks.
She was all set to cater an event for Winslow Credit Union in March, and had ordered the food, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Cathy Bond, of the Winslow Credit Union, knows that Lacroix-Menoudarakos takes every opportunity to help the frontline staff at local police and fire stations. So when the event was canceled, Bond gave Lacroix-Menoudarakos the green light to do what does and help others in time of need.
Lacroix-Menoudarakos and her staff started off on a smaller scaled and made batches of food for the departments to pick up.
As the state of emergency continued, Lacroix-Menoudarakos adapted to helping the community on a larger scale. she knows the community has many people who depend on restaurants and takeout services on a daily basis. Many people do not cook and are now forced into isolation without supplies or knowledge of cooking or baking.
This inspired Lacroix-Menoudarakos to develop a plan to create low cost meals for the community members during this time of need.
The plan was so well-received, Lacroix-Menoudarakos went through all of the food that she had and then had to order two more times after that in order to continue helping the community.
The meals are being used for multiple different purposes, from fueling first responders to ensuring that the vulnerable elderly population is well fed. There are many seniors that pride themselves on being independent and These meals have helped them stay safe and nourished in this difficult time.
There are some federally funded programs out there, but not everyone qualifies for the programs. Lacroix-Menoudarakos’ mission is to prevent people from falling through the cracks. She did not want the elderly to have to go out to the stores or go without food.
The low cost has allowed others to buy the meals for others as well, and enable more to continue giving and taking care of each other. Easter was difficult for many being away from family; however, Lacroix-Menoudarakos and her team worked hard to give affordable options for people to have a nice dinner over the holiday.
Tracy O’Clair, of Waterville, said, “As a community we are blessed to have people like Rita.”
Meal pickup is at Rita’s House of Pizza, 51 Bay St. She has also created a Facebook page, Rita’s COVID-19 family meal. Anyuone in need of help can contact Lacroix-Menoudarakos at 207-872-0773.

PHOTO: Shara Nabarowsky, Joshua long, Rita Lacroix-Menoudarakos and Zaharias Menoudarakos, and Carolyn Elkins in the window. (Tawni Lively/Central Maine Photography photo)