Hello, friend! Today's topic is a bit heavy, but I'm always grateful to feel prepared to help when a sudden loss occurs. Offering to set up a meal schedule is one of the most practical ways to show support! If someone has already set one up, sign up to take one of the earliest meals if you can. This is when already having a meal in your freezer or local carry out works great!
I'll share one of my favorite freezer recipes at the bottom of the post. As always, feel free to reply to this email with any tips you may have.
Your loved one is unexpectedly facing a very difficult situation and you know that having meals prepared by others for a few days, weeks, or months would be a huge help. Here are some helpful questions for you to ask your friend when you discuss setting up a meal schedule:
Q: Is anyone coordinating meals for you?
If no one is filling this role, offer to be the meal coordinator. If your friend seems hesitant to accept help (although you know it's needed), you could say, "I know it's hard to accept help, but there are so many people who would like to care for you by providing meals. You are giving your friends a gift by allowing them to do this for you."
Q: How many days a week would it be helpful to have meals?
In difficult circumstances, 3-4 weeks of meals is a good start and you can suggest 3-4 meals per week. You can always extend your meal schedule, if needed. You want to find the balance of enough food, but not too much food. You might also ask if there are certain days of the week that would work best, and also whether breakfast and lunch could be helpful on certain days.
Q: What groups of people would you like to know about the meal schedule?
This will often include friends, neighbors, co-workers, church members, and more -- but it is best to ask your friend how widely they would like the schedule to be shared. It's also helpful to provide your friend with the meal schedule link, so it can be shared when someone asks how they can help.
Q: Should the person bringing your meal come to the door?
If it is a situation where it will be difficult for someone at the home to greet the meal providers (sadness, reduced immunity, desire for privacy, etc.), a cooler can be placed outside the front door with a note asking for the meal to be placed in the cooler. You can also arrange for meals to be delivered to a neighbor or friend and the same person can deliver each meal.
Q: Is there a day or days when a large group of people will be at home for meals?
This often happens in the form of a funeral meal, or other family gatherings after significant life events. PerfectPotluck.com can be helpful for coordinating those large group meals.
Q: Is there anything else that would be helpful to you during this time?
Oftentimes, your friend's needs will extend beyond just meals -- whether that be to have someone check in on them occasionally, or a ride to medical treatment, etc. Take the opportunity while discussing their meal needs to find out other ways you can be of help to them.
Q: What else do meal providers need to know as they prepare to bring you a meal?
What time should the food be delivered?
What are the food preferences (likes/dislikes) and allergies?
What carry out restaurants and gift card locations are preferred?
What are the names, ages, and interests of children in the home?
What extra supplies are helpful? (paper towels, napkins, etc.)
What freezer/refrigerator space is available for meals?
Do you have a Go Fund Me set up that could link to the meal schedule?
Above all, check back with your friend regularly to see what else might be helpful as their situation changes over time.
Cheesy Chicken and Black Bean Enchiladas
These enchiladas freeze really well and it's easy to double the recipe. I put the enchiladas in 8x8 or 9x9 foil pans, so they can be stored easily in the freezer.
Use black beans only to make them vegetarian. Corn tortillas would make them gluten-free, but they never roll well for me. Instead, you could freeze the filling and send along some corn tortillas separately to serve like tacos.
You can find many other main dishes that freeze well in our recipe section.
In Case You Missed It
1. These meatball subs are simple to make and perfect for taking to a friend or family member in need. You can even keep your meatballs in the baking dish by using a rubber band around the lid, and you’re good to go, making it easy to transport.
Don’t have Instagram? Click here for the recipe!
2. Taking a meal to someone who eats gluten-free? Here are some simple, delicious recipes that will make them feel extra cared for.
Don’t have Instagram? Click here for the recipe!
3. There’s never a wrong time to send a meal! Whether someone is welcoming a new baby, recovering from surgery, grieving a loss, or just going through a busy season, a warm meal is a simple way to remind them they’re cared for.
4. How adorable are these Cheese and Cracker Pumpkin Pies?! The perfect mix of cute and tasty! Great for your next potluck, Thanksgiving snack board, or even a cozy fall get-together.
Don’t have Instagram? Click here for the recipe!
5. Salads can be a meal by themselves or a wonderful side to another main dish. On Pinterest, we've compiled some of the best salads and side dish recipes to make your meal extra special.
Easily Organize Meal Schedules for Friends
Take Them A Meal is an easy (and free!) online tool for coordinating the delivery of meals to loved ones. If a friend is ill, elderly, or welcoming a child, you can rally their community to take them meals. We also offer delicious, fully-prepared meals that can be shipped directly to their door!
Send Love in a Box - Freshly Prepared Meals Shipped Nationwide!
Surprise your loved ones with a delicious, chef-made meal delivered straight to their door. Explore Shipped Meals
Tested Recipes that Transport Well
Our culinary team has tested each of these recipes to make sure we can heartily recommend them. Explore Our Recipes
Gifts & Such
Check out these thoughtful and practical gifts including engraved spoons, meal carriers and more!
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