about doorstep dining

Doorstep Dining is a public-private partnership between The Duck & Cat, the United Way of Vermillion, the Community Connections Center, Feeding Vermillion, and the Rural Office of Community Services. Chef-made meals prepared with love by Dana Christensen are packaged and delivered by community volunteers every Tuesday. This essential service was disrupted in April 2026, and we were grateful to be part of the city-wide effort to restore meal delivery to our housebound and elderly community in the Vermillion area.

 

Frequently asked questions

The collaboration for Doorstep Dining began because Chef Dana Christensen volunteers every Monday to cook the free community meal at the Vermillion Welcome Table. When the meal delivery service was interrupted, Feeding Vermillion began receiving phone calls with concerned community members who wanted to resume services as soon as possible. Dana's chef-origin story began in cooking and delivering meals for No More Empty Pots as part of COVID food insecurity relief. It's been great to get back to his roots and return to a service-oriented project that supports the wonderful Vermillion community.

How do I sign up for Doorstep Dining?

Call Anna at the Community Connections Center: 605-658-0118 to get you or a loved one on our list or to increase the number of weekly meals that are delivered. Please contact Anna by Wednesday to make changes for the following week.

How can I volunteer or donate to Doorstep Dining?

Thank you for your contributions!

  • To volunteer to deliver or package meals, Call Anna at the Community Connections Center: 605-658-0118.
  • Donations can be made online or by mail to Feeding Vermillion, PO Box 216, Vermillion, SD 57069
  • Purchase supplies for Doorstep Dining from The Duck & Cat Amazon Wish List.

When are the Doorstep Dining meals delivered?

Meals are delivered once per week on Tuesdays starting at 11:00AM CST by volunteers from the community.

What is the cost of Doorstep Dining?

$6 per meal. Free and reduced pricing is available for those who qualify. Contact Megan Hogle at the Rural Office of Community Services for more information: mhogle@rocsinc.org or 605-469-5363.

How are the meals prepared?

Meals are prepared by Chef Dana Christensen and his team at The Duck & Cat with locally sourced produce. Every meal includes protein, starch or grain, vegetable, and fruit. Milk service is also available for those who request it.

Are the meals frozen?

Yes, the meals are frozen and can be reheated in the microwave. Reheating instructions are labeled on every meal.

How many meals can I order?

5 meals per week or 10 meals per week.

Where can I see the menu?

Doorstep Dining menus will be published in the Vermillion Plain Talk and the Broadcaster.