Karen Kendrick: Our Next Meal Provider Spotlight!

We are so pleased to share our next Meal Provider Spotlight with you. While we often share ways to support you in your meal-taking journeys, part of what makes Take Them A Meal so successful is our users and the experiences they share along the way.

Today's spotlight is by Karen Kendrick, who is sharing how our online meal scheduling tool can help make organizing meals for a friend easy! This was the first time she used our website to take a meal, and she loved it!

What is your go-to recipe when taking a meal to a friend? 

This is the very first time I have taken a meal to a friend using Take Them A Meal. I struggled with knowing what to take until I stumbled upon one of your quick and easy recipes, Comfy in the Kitchen Easy Ham and Cheese Quiche.

When a friend requests a homemade meal, I use this delicious quiche recipe. I've made it three times and I highly recommend it! You can make this recipe even easier by using premade pie shells like these! 

What do you send along with the recipe? Any sides or desserts? 

When considering what side to send along with my meal, I like to pair it with something that will complement the meal. For a quiche, a salad is perfect!

You may be surprised to find that many restaurants also offer delicious sides! In Birmingham, the fast food chain Jack's offers green beans and mashed potatoes.

For dessert, I asked my friend directly what they were craving. You may find that they prefer fruit over something chocolatey. They could also request something as simple as Oreos, which requires no baking at all!

If you would like to dress up store-bought cookies, we love this easy DIY cookie basket made from a paper plate!

What containers do you use to take this meal? 

I like to use an insulated tote. I love the Take Them A Meal Insulated Tote. It is wide, tall, and perfect for stacking containers. You can leave this tote with your meal recipient for them to easily return any containers, or it could be left as a gift. If you would like it returned, it's easy enough to add your name to the bag, so it doesn't get lost.

Taking a casserole? Our team members also love using this meal carrier, or this double meal carrier, perfect for transporting hot and cold casserole items.

What inspires you to take meals to others? 

A friend organized a meal schedule when one of us had surgery. I loved that it had a shareable link so anyone who wanted to take a meal could easily sign up. This took the mystery out of knowing what details were needed.

I’ve wondered why I ever felt stumped when taking meals before! I loved how streamlined the meal schedule made the whole process, and I'm excited to use it again soon.

Any words of wisdom or tips to share with someone new to taking meals? 

Yes! Listen to the meal recipient’s preferences, and stick to non-spicy, popular choices unless they have something specific in mind. Making something you've made before is also a great tip because you know they enjoy the meal.

If you've never taken a meal before, we hope Karen's story inspires and encourages you!

Thank you, Karen, for sharing your experience with us and reminding us that by using our site, even those who are new to taking meals can do so successfully and with ease!

Meal Provider Spotlight Opportunities - would you like to be featured?

In Case You Missed It

1. Are you following our sister site, Perfect Potluck, on social media? If not, give them a follow and check out the affordable and fun Walmart finds Nadia found for your next potluck! 

2. Looking for a cheesy snack you can make to enjoy throughout the week or to include with a meal as a fun addition? Then try making these Homemade Cheez-Its! They’re delicious and easier to make than you might think.

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

3. Looking for encouraging words to share with a friend or loved one? Or maybe you need just a little motivation or inspiration for yourself. Here are a few of our favorite reminders!

4. When taking a meal to a friend or loved one, follow these simple guidelines to guarantee success and avoid stress. Plan as much as possible, adhere to the meal recipient’s requests, and above all, extend grace to yourself and others.

5. Whether you're stocking your own freezer so that you're prepared in a pinch to provide a meal or you're taking a freezer meal for someone to make on their own timetable, these tips and recipes about freezer meals will inspire you.