How To Set Up a Meal Schedule with Ease!

Hello there! Take Them a Meal is an easy and free online tool for coordinating meals for loved ones. The meals are typically prepared by friends and family in their own kitchens, but takeout, delivery, or meals from our online store are other great options!

Our team has worked diligently over the years to make the process of coordinating and taking meals as simple as possible. Whether you're setting up a meal schedule for a sick loved one, an elderly parent who needs extra support, or you are rallying around a friend who is starting a new career, we want to show you how to create a meal schedule using the following simple steps!

Click "Meal Scheduling" at the top of our site to get started.

1. First, enter the meal coordinator information (this is you!) and then the meal recipient information (your loved one). An admin password is used so you can log in at any time to edit the meal schedule. The user password is for anyone participating to view the meal schedule. You do not have to create an account, and none of the information recorded is used or shared in any way, except with those you choose.

2. Continue filling out the rest of the form, being sure to list any allergies, sensitivities, or food preferences of the meal recipient (or those in the family!). We've made it easy to simply check a box next to any allergens to avoid.

3. Lastly, leaving any helpful notes indicating how many people need to be fed, where to deliver (for example, "leave at the front door"), and any likes or dislikes is always appreciated! I had a friend who listed "mayonnaise" as a dislike! Even as silly as it seemed, it was helpful to everyone taking her meals.

4. To finish, click the purple button at the bottom of the form that says "Create Meal Schedule." Don't worry, you can always make edits using your admin password.

After you've created your meal schedule, you will be able to share it with friends and family. We've provided multiple ways of sharing your meal schedule, whether it's through Facebook, email, or copying the link to share wherever is easiest for you! Simply click any of the links that apply under the "Invite Friends" banner. Don't forget the "Invite Friends" tool, which is visible in "Coordinator Settings," where you can enter email addresses and send out invites. We will send out reminders to each participant informing them when their scheduled day is approaching! We even send a thank you email!

We hope this brief introduction to creating a meal schedule has been helpful. Coordinating meals for your loved one allows you to focus your time and energy where they are truly needed. Thank you for all you do for those in your communities!

1. This 4-ingredient ravioli lasagna is a game-changer. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or when you’re taking someone a comforting homemade meal!

Don’t have Instagram? Click here for the recipe!

2. When someone is grieving, words can feel hard, but small acts of care can speak volumes. If you’re not sure what to bring, here are a few simple, comforting ideas!

3. Have you ever received a meal and wanted to say a heartfelt thank you in return? We found these adorable free printable thank you cards, perfect for when you can’t make it to the store to grab a card!

Don’t have Instagram? Click here for the free printable!

4. Check out how cute these little Wafer Pencil Cookies are. With back-to-school coming up so soon, these are the sweetest (and easiest!) treat to make with your kids. Plus, they’re perfect to wrap up as a thoughtful gift for teachers!

5. Whether it's her first or her fifteenth child, every mom needs to take care of herself while she cares for her new little one. Here are some great ideas for taking meals, snacks, gifts, and/or encouragement to a mom of a new little one.

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!

Surprise your loved ones with a delicious, chef-made meal delivered straight to their door. Explore Shipped Meals

Our culinary team has tested each of these recipes to make sure we can heartily recommend them. Explore Our Recipes

Check out these thoughtful and practical gifts including engraved spoons, meal carriers and more!

We’ve included a few affiliate links in this post. If you buy something, we might earn a small commission. We only recommend things we genuinely love!