Cutting heart-shaped carrots for soups and salads adds a little extra love.
Taking a meal to someone is already a wonderful gift. When doing so, you want to make it nice for your recipient, but also easy on yourself. When I sign up to take a meal, I like to figure out which of my “go-to” meals fits the bill, how I can make it easy for the recipient, and then add a special touch if I have the time.
No matter if you’ve never taken a meal before or if you're a seasoned meal provider, here are some tips I have found to be helpful.
1. Make the meal easy to receive.
Disposable, recyclable, or compostable containers are appreciated by many people because there is nothing to wash or return. Aluminum pans, paper soup containers, parchment paper, and paper bags are all excellent choices.
My personal favorite containers to use are 9X9 foil pans. I love how these pans do a nice job of keeping food warm and can easily be covered with aluminum foil. Using a Sharpie marker, cooking instructions can be written directly on the aluminum foil, making them easy to follow for the meal recipient. Paper soup containers are really helpful as well!
2. If you use reusable containers, make sure there is no expectation that they come back.
If you’re a fan of reusable containers, inexpensive thrift-store dishes, old Pyrex, saved takeout containers, or a church "dish library" are all great options. The important part is communicating that the recipient shouldn't feel responsible for washing, storing, or returning your containers.
3. Don't underestimate very simple meals.
A rotisserie chicken and a bagged salad are often just as appreciated as a homemade meal because it means not having to shop, decide what to make, prepare food, or clean up. Soup, sandwiches, tacos, cookies, and fruit are all thoughtful, but simple options.
4. Add something small if you want to make it feel special.
I love sending along flowers or a candle when I have some on hand. Other special touches are a decorative hand towel, washi tape labels, or a handwritten card.
5. Think beyond the main dish.
Paper plates, napkins, and other basics like stamps, paper towels, or toilet paper can be helpful when someone is overwhelmed.
6. Reduce the number of decisions you have to make.
Keep a list of recipes that are easy to make and transport well. Have a stash of containers, foil pans, soup cups, parchment, and other supplies on hand that make it easy to take a meal without making the process complicated. Having a freezer meal prepared and ready makes it easy to take a meal at a minute's notice.
Ultimately, the gift to the recipient is they know that you thought about them and took care of dinner. Not having to shop, prepare, or clean up is a gift all by itself.
The goal isn't to impress someone with what you made, it's to make their life a little easier.
Warmly,
Adina
One of the greatest joys of Take Them A Meal has been connecting with caring people from all across the country. Beginning today, you'll see a new community feature within our newsletters where you can share ideas, ask questions, and encourage one another. No separate sign-up is needed—simply click through from the newsletter and join the conversation! ~Adina
In Case You Missed It
These double chocolate chip muffins are the perfect sweet treat to include with a meal! They’re rich, delicious, and sure to brighten someone’s day.
Don’t have Instagram? Click here for the full recipe!
August is National Grief Awareness Month. Grief can look and feel different for everyone, and some days may be harder than others. We hope these gentle reminders bring a little comfort to anyone who may need them today.
A few comforting essentials can mean so much during a hospital stay! This simple comfort kit would also be perfect for someone recovering from surgery, dealing with an illness, or simply needing a little extra care!
Don’t have Instagram? Click here to watch!
An inexpensive way to dress up a meal is to use baskets or tea towels to carry items. Kelli recently made four loaves of sourdough bread and took three of them to my family and neighbors. See how she packaged them using a kitchen towel!
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.
