On the receiving end: I know it's been a crazy time which is why you are getting a meal but please take thirty seconds and text the person who gave it to you after enjoying it and *say thank you.* You'd think it'd be obvious, but I have gladly participated in hundreds of meal trains and very often the recipient has no problem texting when answering inquiries about preferred meals, drop off times and directions, but mysteriously forgets how to operate the phone to say "we just finished dinner and it was so nice; thank you." It is a bit discouraging to spend your time and grocery budget to bless someone and receive only silence after your husband runs across town to drop it off (our usual routine). Please remember to reach out to the person who planned, cooked, and delivered your dinner, with love and prayers for your well being, and tell that person, "that was so yummy and such a blessing. Thank you." 💕
I appreciate that you said, even just a text! Thank you notes can be daunting in certain times, but a text to say thank you and, yes, that you liked the meal really is so easy to send.
Oh yeah! I would never expect a written note (although that would be lovely!). But not-a-word has happened to me many times and I'm not a huge stickler for things like that but in that situation it bothers me to have no acknowledgement at all.
Yeah, I'm sorry that's happened to you. I didn't think to include "say thank you when someone gives you a meal" because...I assumed we were all doing that? Thanks for the reminder!
so delightful. i loved this breakdown! one of my fave tips is to pick up some glass casserole dishes and/or glass snapware at thrift shops, so i can send meals in reheatable containers i don’t mind if i receive back ☺️
If you’re making cookies for your family, put enough dough for a dozen or two in the freezer and pull it out to bake next time you’re giving someone a meal - low effort, high impact! Although you have to have a decent amount of willpower not to just bake them for yourself :)
This is such a lovely post, and so encouraging to read the comments, too!
In my experience (both on the receiving and the giving end) homemade meals that can be stored in the freezer is a big win if a postpartum season is imminent. Nowadays if I bake brownies/traybake I tend to stash half in the freezer, which can also easily be included in a meal bundle. And opt for a takeaway voucher for friends in other countries.
One friend said the best postpartum gift she received was a generous voucher for a coffee chain- not just for the coffee, but the incentive to get out of the house too!
I *love* meal trains, both ends of it! It's my favorite form of ministry, because what is more loving and helpful than feeding the hungry?! And I know how amazingly helpful and mood-lifting it is to receive one.
I *always* double my meal train meal, and often our own meal is thus much more on time :)
I keep a large supply of 9x13 aluminum pans from Costco on hand, and these work for most meals. If I'm able to (which is admittedly rare!), I will also do an oatmeal bake in a second aluminum pan for their breakfast. Otherwise I stick to really simple sides. I like carnitas or shredded Mexican beef, because the sides are mostly non-cook, such as tortillas, chips, a container of sour cream and bag of shredded cheese, salsa jar, beans etc.
I also check my entire calendar against the meal train date options, and look for either: a meal date when I'm on a homeschool break, Monday of a 3-day weekend, or over a holiday break if possible. These are the most doable times for me, especially if it's not a really local family.
Yes, feeding the hungry applies here! Your food options sound delicious. Do you have a recipe for the oatmeal bake you'd like to link?
It really is wise to schedule the meal when it works for you. I'm a pretty flexible homeschool mother (have to be with the ages of the children), so I'm tempted to say, "Any day, any time works!" But the reality is, our whole family does have a flow each week, so it's good to be mindful of it. Hopefully other women in the community who have more flexibility in their schedules can fill in the gaps.
yes, that is what I always hope as well, particularly those moms who only have teens or are empty-nesters! But other than the exact times of life you listed (1st and late 3rd trimesters, and first 2-3 months PP), I try not to say "Ohhh I can't do it!" I mean, we have to eat ourselves, and the delivery can usually be figured out!
Here is my really good pumpkin baked oatmeal (I leave out chocolate chips though!). I also 2X the ingredients whenever possible, so that we have one to eat too!
My list is not necessarily my best foods, but what’s easy to double! And often what’s easy to deliver at 3:30, not dinner time, without ruining things.
I've been in a long season of "barely cooking food for my own family not to speak of other people" this spring (a "season of takeout" if there ever was one). I loved when a long-distance friend sent me a giant box of snacks after my son was born, so my go-to during these times is asking the new Mama if she's craving any snacks and ordering a walmart+ delivery of whatever it is - pringles, goldfish, etc. Low-cost and still helps fill her cup (and that of any toddlers in the house).
Long distance deliveries are so sweet! I had a Costco box arrive recently from a friend.
I think snacks are definitely a thoughtful treat, because I usually am trying to cut those out to preserve the budget. But they are so helpful when you’re treading water!
Saying a prayer for you as you finish the school year. You are so close!!
This was a wonderful post, and thank you for mentioning me and mine!
Every time my children ask for apples, I think of Auntie Leila, who has said that it’s silly to give a child a whole apple, because who can eat a whole apple in one sitting?? 😂 I love buying bags of cuties, the easy-peel clementines, and throwing them in a bag for a meal. They’re so easy for even a three year old to peel, and although you might need to cut the pieces for a very young child, they still seem like the most manageable fruit.
I brought a meal to a family just this week and I happened to see organic freezer pops in the pantry section of the grocery store and I bought them for the children. I liked that they aren’t already frozen but that this way, they can have a little treat here and there.
And finally, I just wanted to add that one of my children has many food allergies and that’s a reason why, historically, very few people have been willing to bring us a meal. They either think it’s too scary to consider they might make a mistake, or else if feels like too much work to maneuver around the allergies. If you can find an easy allergy-free recipe (there are so many options!), there is hardly a thing that can make you feel so loved as to have someone take your child’s medical needs seriously and bring you a meal.
Thanks Maria! And yes, even I, as an adult, struggle with whole fruit. It seems so silly! But maybe it’s because generic American fruit is unnaturally gargantuan (hate to think about that!).
I’m sorry to hear about your child having the food allergies! It can really be a struggle. In the past, I have told people, “Please don’t worry about him, I have food for him.” I honestly don’t mind serving him some “safe” chicken nuggets while everyone else gets that meal. Perhaps it will change as he gets older (and, Lord willing, outgrows some allergies!). However, sometimes I or another woman will say to the other, “No seriously list his allergies and I will see if I can accommodate.” And when it happens, it really is such a thoughtful blessing!
It all depends on the child and the severity and number of allergies, so I understand why it’s hard. This is why learning to cook from scratch truly can help us love all kinds of other people, because we can find ways to accommodate diverse needs. It’s a worthwhile endeavor!
These are wonderful tips and I love the reminder that feeding each other is, in fact, a mutual blessing.
I like to double recipes every so often and put the second away in my freezer in an aluminum pan. Then, when something comes up—a friend had a hard week, someone’s kids are sick, met a new neighbor with a baby—I can gift them the prepped freezer meal. It makes it so simple and stress free. I cook when I can and then give freely.
Such good ideas here. We love hopping on meal trains and the “I’m just making double of what I’m already cooking anyway” really helps make it happen!
In seasons where you can give a bit more, nice additions could be:
- a bag of coffee (especially appreciated by new parents!)
- crustless quiche with whatever veggies and spices you have on hand
- get young children involved by making cards or arranging a little bouquet from your yard (even if it’s just dandelions and clovers!)
My go-to meal is Korean Beef + rice bowls, following Lily Nichols’ recipe. It uses ground beef, any veggies on hand, simple steps, and has so far been a mindless-crowd pleaser!
These are great ideas! Do you have a recipe for crustless quiche? I’ve never made quiche — I know! — but maybe it should go on the list to try this year. Please inform my ignorance: does crustless keep it from getting soggy? Or is it just easier?
Brilliant tips! I love this kind of step-by-step explanation. My one tip I've heard is, next time you are at the thrift store, check for pretty casserole dishes to pick up cheap. Then you can put meal-train meals in them and send them off to the family in need, so they can be reused and cycle through the community as needed. Less waste, less aluminum, more beauty and durability and a sense of special care!
Thank you for these practical step by steps! I have been so blessed by meals brought to me, and I enjoy blessing others too when I’m able. You’ve inspired me to broaden from the typical times of just had a baby or surgery and do it more often for friends and family! Planning ahead makes it possible!
Congratulations on the new baby! It’s such a blessing to have been on the receiving end of meals, that’s what encourages me to do it. I’m glad to hear this post gave some help and inspiration for future, when you’re feeling ready to share again!
Veggie tray and hummus is a great idea! And, I’m guessing, easy for them to give. Thanks for sharing!
Another tip - we just had our fourth baby and received meals from our church. One big hit this time was a giant veggie tray with hummus. It included “special” veggies I don’t normally buy like snap peas and was a big win with my older kids! It hadn’t occurred to me before to do that as a side!
I have 2 under 2 and I have found for a new mom, someone recovering from a surgery, etc. they are usually not working (like myself!), so I have frequently offered to bring a meal around late morning. I have never been turned down and this allows me the flexibility to make a breakfast dish (muffins, quiche, etc.) or a dinner meal they can stick in the fridge and reheat—win win!
That’s great! Yes, the late morning drop offs are really nice because then you don’t have to worry about getting delayed for some reason, and knowing they’re hungry and waiting for you….which is highly likely when we have little ones of our own!
Such wonderful advice for how to think about bringing meals to people!
I have one meal that is my go-to because it’s already gluten and dairy free. No one has ever complained, it’s kid friendly and it’s pretty budget conscious. I buy Italian sausage from Costco, boil, then chop and mix with diced potatoes, season with plenty of olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning. I can either bake it then to take hot (bake at 400 til the potatoes are done) or deliver in a ziplock in the AM — all the person has to do is dump on a sheet pan (use foil or parchment for easy cleanup). You can also do the same thing with Aidell’s chicken sausage and sweet potatoes.
Then I make a green salad (deliver in a Ziplock) and maybe dessert or a loaf of banana bread if I can manage it. I can basically make this in my sleep at this point and the trickiest thing is figuring out when to deliver. The “double your dinner and save half” approach also works well with little kids. I don’t recommend trying to deliver dinner at the same time you’re making your own, especially if you have to load small people in the car.
(Also in the winter, I find that stews are somehow easier than soups - probably because they're quite hardy and have less liquid? Beef stew is full of nutrients and travels and reheats well.)
This was great! Thank you for sharing your tips. I've had long seasons of food allergies and it can be tough because most "one pan" dishes are heavy on dairy and gluten. An easy way around it is to make a meat (roast a whole chicken; put pork in the crock pot; brown up a bunch of sausages) and then either make or buy rice + greens and some sort of topping like salsa or hummus or olive tapenade.
If it's a bigger family with a mix of allergies, things like taco bowls (think Chipotle-style) or shwarma bowls are great - just package each ingredient separately and then everyone can put together what they want.
To keep apples fresh, I slice around the core, then put it all back together and put a rubber band around it. It's not perfect but keeps it from getting brown too quickly!
These are great, Kerri! Yes, these ideas, and deconstructing meals in general, go a long way. In addition to being allergy-friendly, they are also approachable to children who, despite their parents’ best efforts, still struggle to eat whatever is served them. I may or may not know something about this….
I’ve never heard of the apple idea but that’s so clever!
And thank you for pointing out the subtle benefit of stews over soups, especially in winter.
On the receiving end: I know it's been a crazy time which is why you are getting a meal but please take thirty seconds and text the person who gave it to you after enjoying it and *say thank you.* You'd think it'd be obvious, but I have gladly participated in hundreds of meal trains and very often the recipient has no problem texting when answering inquiries about preferred meals, drop off times and directions, but mysteriously forgets how to operate the phone to say "we just finished dinner and it was so nice; thank you." It is a bit discouraging to spend your time and grocery budget to bless someone and receive only silence after your husband runs across town to drop it off (our usual routine). Please remember to reach out to the person who planned, cooked, and delivered your dinner, with love and prayers for your well being, and tell that person, "that was so yummy and such a blessing. Thank you." 💕
I appreciate that you said, even just a text! Thank you notes can be daunting in certain times, but a text to say thank you and, yes, that you liked the meal really is so easy to send.
Oh yeah! I would never expect a written note (although that would be lovely!). But not-a-word has happened to me many times and I'm not a huge stickler for things like that but in that situation it bothers me to have no acknowledgement at all.
Yeah, I'm sorry that's happened to you. I didn't think to include "say thank you when someone gives you a meal" because...I assumed we were all doing that? Thanks for the reminder!
so delightful. i loved this breakdown! one of my fave tips is to pick up some glass casserole dishes and/or glass snapware at thrift shops, so i can send meals in reheatable containers i don’t mind if i receive back ☺️
That’s super thoughtful!
If you’re making cookies for your family, put enough dough for a dozen or two in the freezer and pull it out to bake next time you’re giving someone a meal - low effort, high impact! Although you have to have a decent amount of willpower not to just bake them for yourself :)
Great idea!
This is such a lovely post, and so encouraging to read the comments, too!
In my experience (both on the receiving and the giving end) homemade meals that can be stored in the freezer is a big win if a postpartum season is imminent. Nowadays if I bake brownies/traybake I tend to stash half in the freezer, which can also easily be included in a meal bundle. And opt for a takeaway voucher for friends in other countries.
One friend said the best postpartum gift she received was a generous voucher for a coffee chain- not just for the coffee, but the incentive to get out of the house too!
These are really thoughtful ideas! The coffee chain voucher would really give incentive. Thanks so much for sharing!
I *love* meal trains, both ends of it! It's my favorite form of ministry, because what is more loving and helpful than feeding the hungry?! And I know how amazingly helpful and mood-lifting it is to receive one.
I *always* double my meal train meal, and often our own meal is thus much more on time :)
I keep a large supply of 9x13 aluminum pans from Costco on hand, and these work for most meals. If I'm able to (which is admittedly rare!), I will also do an oatmeal bake in a second aluminum pan for their breakfast. Otherwise I stick to really simple sides. I like carnitas or shredded Mexican beef, because the sides are mostly non-cook, such as tortillas, chips, a container of sour cream and bag of shredded cheese, salsa jar, beans etc.
I also check my entire calendar against the meal train date options, and look for either: a meal date when I'm on a homeschool break, Monday of a 3-day weekend, or over a holiday break if possible. These are the most doable times for me, especially if it's not a really local family.
Yes, feeding the hungry applies here! Your food options sound delicious. Do you have a recipe for the oatmeal bake you'd like to link?
It really is wise to schedule the meal when it works for you. I'm a pretty flexible homeschool mother (have to be with the ages of the children), so I'm tempted to say, "Any day, any time works!" But the reality is, our whole family does have a flow each week, so it's good to be mindful of it. Hopefully other women in the community who have more flexibility in their schedules can fill in the gaps.
yes, that is what I always hope as well, particularly those moms who only have teens or are empty-nesters! But other than the exact times of life you listed (1st and late 3rd trimesters, and first 2-3 months PP), I try not to say "Ohhh I can't do it!" I mean, we have to eat ourselves, and the delivery can usually be figured out!
Here is my really good pumpkin baked oatmeal (I leave out chocolate chips though!). I also 2X the ingredients whenever possible, so that we have one to eat too!
https://thrivinghomeblog.com/pumpkin-chocolate-chip-baked-oatmeal-for-a-crowd/
Oh yum! I've never done baked oatmeal, this looks so good! Thanks so much for sharing, Nicole! Glad you're here!
My list is not necessarily my best foods, but what’s easy to double! And often what’s easy to deliver at 3:30, not dinner time, without ruining things.
Yes, it has to be possible for you to achieve, otherwise it won't happen at all!
I've been in a long season of "barely cooking food for my own family not to speak of other people" this spring (a "season of takeout" if there ever was one). I loved when a long-distance friend sent me a giant box of snacks after my son was born, so my go-to during these times is asking the new Mama if she's craving any snacks and ordering a walmart+ delivery of whatever it is - pringles, goldfish, etc. Low-cost and still helps fill her cup (and that of any toddlers in the house).
Long distance deliveries are so sweet! I had a Costco box arrive recently from a friend.
I think snacks are definitely a thoughtful treat, because I usually am trying to cut those out to preserve the budget. But they are so helpful when you’re treading water!
Saying a prayer for you as you finish the school year. You are so close!!
This was a wonderful post, and thank you for mentioning me and mine!
Every time my children ask for apples, I think of Auntie Leila, who has said that it’s silly to give a child a whole apple, because who can eat a whole apple in one sitting?? 😂 I love buying bags of cuties, the easy-peel clementines, and throwing them in a bag for a meal. They’re so easy for even a three year old to peel, and although you might need to cut the pieces for a very young child, they still seem like the most manageable fruit.
I brought a meal to a family just this week and I happened to see organic freezer pops in the pantry section of the grocery store and I bought them for the children. I liked that they aren’t already frozen but that this way, they can have a little treat here and there.
And finally, I just wanted to add that one of my children has many food allergies and that’s a reason why, historically, very few people have been willing to bring us a meal. They either think it’s too scary to consider they might make a mistake, or else if feels like too much work to maneuver around the allergies. If you can find an easy allergy-free recipe (there are so many options!), there is hardly a thing that can make you feel so loved as to have someone take your child’s medical needs seriously and bring you a meal.
Thanks Maria! And yes, even I, as an adult, struggle with whole fruit. It seems so silly! But maybe it’s because generic American fruit is unnaturally gargantuan (hate to think about that!).
I’m sorry to hear about your child having the food allergies! It can really be a struggle. In the past, I have told people, “Please don’t worry about him, I have food for him.” I honestly don’t mind serving him some “safe” chicken nuggets while everyone else gets that meal. Perhaps it will change as he gets older (and, Lord willing, outgrows some allergies!). However, sometimes I or another woman will say to the other, “No seriously list his allergies and I will see if I can accommodate.” And when it happens, it really is such a thoughtful blessing!
It all depends on the child and the severity and number of allergies, so I understand why it’s hard. This is why learning to cook from scratch truly can help us love all kinds of other people, because we can find ways to accommodate diverse needs. It’s a worthwhile endeavor!
Thanks again for the comment!
These are wonderful tips and I love the reminder that feeding each other is, in fact, a mutual blessing.
I like to double recipes every so often and put the second away in my freezer in an aluminum pan. Then, when something comes up—a friend had a hard week, someone’s kids are sick, met a new neighbor with a baby—I can gift them the prepped freezer meal. It makes it so simple and stress free. I cook when I can and then give freely.
Yes, that’s a great idea! Always prepared. Thanks for sharing!
Such good ideas here. We love hopping on meal trains and the “I’m just making double of what I’m already cooking anyway” really helps make it happen!
In seasons where you can give a bit more, nice additions could be:
- a bag of coffee (especially appreciated by new parents!)
- crustless quiche with whatever veggies and spices you have on hand
- get young children involved by making cards or arranging a little bouquet from your yard (even if it’s just dandelions and clovers!)
My go-to meal is Korean Beef + rice bowls, following Lily Nichols’ recipe. It uses ground beef, any veggies on hand, simple steps, and has so far been a mindless-crowd pleaser!
These are great ideas! Do you have a recipe for crustless quiche? I’ve never made quiche — I know! — but maybe it should go on the list to try this year. Please inform my ignorance: does crustless keep it from getting soggy? Or is it just easier?
And the Korean beef would be so good!
Thanks for sharing your tips here.
Brilliant tips! I love this kind of step-by-step explanation. My one tip I've heard is, next time you are at the thrift store, check for pretty casserole dishes to pick up cheap. Then you can put meal-train meals in them and send them off to the family in need, so they can be reused and cycle through the community as needed. Less waste, less aluminum, more beauty and durability and a sense of special care!
The community casserole dish! That’s a sweet thought. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for these practical step by steps! I have been so blessed by meals brought to me, and I enjoy blessing others too when I’m able. You’ve inspired me to broaden from the typical times of just had a baby or surgery and do it more often for friends and family! Planning ahead makes it possible!
Congratulations on the new baby! It’s such a blessing to have been on the receiving end of meals, that’s what encourages me to do it. I’m glad to hear this post gave some help and inspiration for future, when you’re feeling ready to share again!
Veggie tray and hummus is a great idea! And, I’m guessing, easy for them to give. Thanks for sharing!
Another tip - we just had our fourth baby and received meals from our church. One big hit this time was a giant veggie tray with hummus. It included “special” veggies I don’t normally buy like snap peas and was a big win with my older kids! It hadn’t occurred to me before to do that as a side!
I have 2 under 2 and I have found for a new mom, someone recovering from a surgery, etc. they are usually not working (like myself!), so I have frequently offered to bring a meal around late morning. I have never been turned down and this allows me the flexibility to make a breakfast dish (muffins, quiche, etc.) or a dinner meal they can stick in the fridge and reheat—win win!
That’s great! Yes, the late morning drop offs are really nice because then you don’t have to worry about getting delayed for some reason, and knowing they’re hungry and waiting for you….which is highly likely when we have little ones of our own!
Such wonderful advice for how to think about bringing meals to people!
I have one meal that is my go-to because it’s already gluten and dairy free. No one has ever complained, it’s kid friendly and it’s pretty budget conscious. I buy Italian sausage from Costco, boil, then chop and mix with diced potatoes, season with plenty of olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning. I can either bake it then to take hot (bake at 400 til the potatoes are done) or deliver in a ziplock in the AM — all the person has to do is dump on a sheet pan (use foil or parchment for easy cleanup). You can also do the same thing with Aidell’s chicken sausage and sweet potatoes.
Then I make a green salad (deliver in a Ziplock) and maybe dessert or a loaf of banana bread if I can manage it. I can basically make this in my sleep at this point and the trickiest thing is figuring out when to deliver. The “double your dinner and save half” approach also works well with little kids. I don’t recommend trying to deliver dinner at the same time you’re making your own, especially if you have to load small people in the car.
This sounds delicious!
Thanks for these tips! That sausage dish sounds delicious, and definitely doable for both parties.
(Also in the winter, I find that stews are somehow easier than soups - probably because they're quite hardy and have less liquid? Beef stew is full of nutrients and travels and reheats well.)
This was great! Thank you for sharing your tips. I've had long seasons of food allergies and it can be tough because most "one pan" dishes are heavy on dairy and gluten. An easy way around it is to make a meat (roast a whole chicken; put pork in the crock pot; brown up a bunch of sausages) and then either make or buy rice + greens and some sort of topping like salsa or hummus or olive tapenade.
If it's a bigger family with a mix of allergies, things like taco bowls (think Chipotle-style) or shwarma bowls are great - just package each ingredient separately and then everyone can put together what they want.
To keep apples fresh, I slice around the core, then put it all back together and put a rubber band around it. It's not perfect but keeps it from getting brown too quickly!
These are great, Kerri! Yes, these ideas, and deconstructing meals in general, go a long way. In addition to being allergy-friendly, they are also approachable to children who, despite their parents’ best efforts, still struggle to eat whatever is served them. I may or may not know something about this….
I’ve never heard of the apple idea but that’s so clever!
And thank you for pointing out the subtle benefit of stews over soups, especially in winter.
I’m so glad you shared your tips here!