It’s common at birth announcements, surgeries or family tragedies for neighbors to pull together and form some sort of meal delivery calendar. I remember this happening when I lost a family member in a sudden car accident with a drunk driver. Everyone wants to know how they can help and food seems like the best and quickest reaction.
Right now, we have a neighbor who recently lost her mom. This friend is a vivacious, young, busy mom who’s world has just been turned upside-down. Worse yet, her husband is scheduled to travel for business next week, so she will be home alone with the kids. When I learned that there was a “meal train” formed for her where we could each sign up for a night to deliver dinner, I knew I needed to jump on aboard.
Our friend Jennifer found this website called www.mealtrain.com. I signed up to make chicken enchiladas on Tuesday night. I see other friends are signing up with great meals too.
Maybe you have been invited to be a part of something similar. If it involves meal delivery, here are some tips taken from the website that may be helpful:
Top 10 things to consider when participating in a Meal Train
1. When dropping off a meal, plan not to stay more than 10-15 minutes. It is best to expect that the recipient is not yet ready to entertain.
2. If there are open calendar days after your delivery, make enough for leftovers. Freezable meals are also nice.
3. Don’t forget the extras like drinks, condiments, and salad dressing.
4. If you are having something delivered (e.g. pizza), make sure to pay and tip in advance.
5. If possible, deliver your meal in a recyclable or reusable container.
6. Be sure to label any items that you would like returned. Include a large paper bag with your name on it that the recipient can use to store your items until you can coordinate a pick-up date.
7. Include clear preparation instructions, i.e. “Bake for 1 hour at 350 degrees.”
8. Consider sharing a link to your recipe in the “Notes” section of your meal booking so the recipient can know the ingredients.
9. As a nice added bonus, bring breakfast food for the following morning, such as muffins, bagels, and fruit salad.
10. If possible, text the recipient when you are on your way. A little heads up can go a long way.
Nothing beats the feeling you get when you cook for others. It’s a labor of love. A gift from the heart.
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