Market Table donations give morale boost to Elmhurst Hospital employees

An Elmhurst catering company usually would be preparing jumbo lump crabcakes, braised beef short ribs and other Insta-worthy entrees for wedding receptions.

But with formal occasions on pause, Market Table's intrepid chefs are now using their culinary chops to help sustain hospital workers fighting the coronavirus pandemic.

Market Table is donating meals twice a week to Elmhurst Hospital employees for the foreseeable future. Office Manager Christine Falkenberg said there's no end date to the company's mission to feed "those who are on the front lines doing all that they can to be keep everybody healthy."

The meals are part of an outpouring of good will for a hospital system treating 63 patients who have tested positive for COVID-19. Two dozen of those patients are at Edward Hospital in Naperville, and 39 are at Elmhurst Hospital, spokesman Keith Hartenberger said Monday.

A DuPage County man in his 60s and a Will County man in his 60s have died at Edward - the first two COVID-19-related deaths at the Naperville hospital. There have been four such deaths at Elmhurst Hospital.

The meal deliveries from Market Table help provide an emotional boost for hospital staff, Hartenberger said. Last week, the company delivered its first round of more than 1,700 prepackaged, individually prepared meals. Another delivery Monday served a lunch of ham and cheese sandwiches, fruit, chips and cookies.

"Edward-Elmhurst Health is extremely appreciative of the overwhelming support from the community," Hartenberger said. "The donations of meals, like those from Market Table, are a real morale booster for our staff. It's inspirational knowing that individuals, companies and organizations across the area are providing assistance in so many ways during the coronavirus outbreak."

In response to the donations, Market Table has received phone calls and emails from grateful health care providers, Falkenberg said.

"There's a lot of gratitude on both sides," she said.

Market Table hopes the meal deliveries inspire other restaurants and businesses to step up in support of those risking their own health to help sick patients.

"We hope that providing some nourishment to them during these difficult times will make a difference," the company said in a statement. "We encourage other restaurants and caterers to consider following our lead in supporting Elmhurst Memorial Hospital and other health care institutions."