Perona Farms is inviting members of the community in need of a meal to pick up a "ready to heat" option this Thursday, March 19, from 2 PM to 5 PM. The culinary team is preparing shrimp & sausage gumbo and beef stroganoff with pasta. While currently closed for large events, some members of the Perona Farms team are working to safely serve our friends and neighbors. Perona Farms is working closely with clients to reschedule upcoming events.
"For us, doing our part in any crisis situation is providing hospitality. As a family business and community leader for over 100 years, this is one of the toughest situations we have faced," said Bryant Avondoglio, general manager and 5th generation Perona. "Our hearts go out to all those affected by this virus. This is especially tough for our team members and our clients; many who have been planning their events for over a year."
To pick up a meal, vehicles may pull up to the covered carport in front of Perona Farms one at a time for self service to avoid personal contact. Perona Farms is located on Route 517 in Andover.
Donations for meals will be accepted by the Perona Farms Foundation for those that are able. The foundation, formed in 2017, supports community organizations and scholarships. In the past, the foundation has supported causes like multiple sclerosis research, culinary education, and women fighting cancer.
In addition to paid sick leave, Perona Farms offers no-cost medical insurance coverage to team members working over 24 hours a week and is covering those premiums entirely through an extended shutdown.
As the community tries to support the local hospitality industry, Avondoglio had this advice, "By following all the latest health recommendations you are not only keeping your family safe, you are helping the entire hospitality industry get through this difficult time as quickly and safely as possible. The best way to reduce the timing of this horrible situation is to work together as a community and put a stop to the spread of the virus."
