A significant transition has occurred in the small town of Geddes, South Dakota, where residents faced a lack of daytime dining options after the closure of the Blue Room Bar and the reduced hours of the Lone Tree Steakhouse. Responding to this challenge, Jill Dyk, proprietor of Geddes Grocery Center, has introduced a new food service initiative aimed at ensuring access to hot, nutritious meals for the community.
On March 17, Geddes launched a program reminiscent of Meals on Wheels, offering hot lunches to residents three days a week. This service, in collaboration with ROCS Dining Services based in Wagner, provides freshly prepared meals on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, with the assistance of local volunteers. ROCS, or Rural Office of Community Services, operates in 22 locations across southeastern South Dakota.
The closure of the Blue Room Bar in 2024 left the town with only the Lone Tree Steakhouse, which now serves solely evening meals. This lack of daytime dining options led residents to rely heavily on convenience foods, which often fall short in nutritional value. The newly introduced meal service addresses this gap by offering freshly prepared, balanced meals featuring vegetables, proteins, and fruits.
Sourced from Shorty’s Bar and Café in Platte, the meals include a variety of traditional favorites such as hamburgers, chicken strips, meatloaf, and fish, accompanied by sides like mashed potatoes, tater tots, vegetables, or fruits. A volunteer travels 16 miles to Platte thrice weekly to collect the meals, returning by 11:30 a.m. for distribution. Meals can be consumed in the grocery store’s café area, taken to-go, or delivered to residents unable to leave their homes.
Pricing is set at $5 for seniors over 60 and $8 for those under 60, with meal tickets available for monthly purchases. For residents unable to afford the cost, additional ROCS services offer financial assistance. Jill Dyk, who has owned the grocery store with her husband for eight years, plays an active role in the program, even delivering meals herself.
The program currently serves between 14 to 27 meals daily, with participation continuing to grow. It has been particularly beneficial for the elderly community, many of whom live alone and face challenges in preparing nutritious meals. Residents such as Janice Schuman, a former physician assistant, highlight the program’s importance in promoting healthier eating habits within the community.
Jill Dyk remains open to expanding the service to five days per week if the demand and volunteer support justify it. She emphasizes the necessity of maintaining a reliable volunteer network to ensure the program’s sustainability throughout the year. In a town with a significant elderly population, this initiative is proving vital in fostering community connection and nourishment. Dyk believes that this small effort is making a substantial impact on the quality of life in Geddes.
Community Impact
The new food service program in Geddes has far-reaching implications for the community, especially in terms of health and social well-being. By providing regular access to nutritious meals, the initiative supports the dietary needs of residents, particularly the elderly who may struggle to prepare balanced meals independently. This endeavor not only improves their nutritional intake but also contributes to overall health and longevity.
Furthermore, the program fosters a sense of community and social connectivity. By involving local volunteers and facilitating meal deliveries, residents experience enhanced social interaction and support, combating the isolation that can accompany aging. The expansion of meal service days could further enrich the social fabric of Geddes, establishing stronger community bonds and a more vibrant local culture.