Here are some things I have learned about delivering meals to people.
Disposable pans are a blessing because there is little cleanup and the people are usually sick, grieving, or too stretched to keep track of your dishes. I keep a stack of foil pans in the pantry. You could consider providing paper plates, too.
The visit you make when you deliver a meal may be just as important as the food. They may need to talk or want you to help them with a task around the house. Most people won’t volunteer information without you asking how you can help. Not everyone will be chatty or want you to stay. They may want privacy or they may be embarrassed about their need and want you to leave quickly. The idea is to be flexible and aware.
For families with teenagers, you need a lot more food than you might think. Mashed potatoes, pasta of any kind, and rice are filling and universally liked. Women tend to get excited when you include good fresh vegetables. Everyone loves fresh fruit salads. I usually include rolls or bread with each meal because even picky eaters will eat bread.
It’s so important to find out if there are food allergies. It’s good to remember that people in bed really need the fiber and nutrition from fruits and vegetables.
If they are receiving meals from people over many days, don’t try to give more food than can be eaten in one sitting. I have seen refrigerators full of unwanted leftovers when I have visited the sick.
Here are some of my favorite menus for delivering to others. Everything is easy to transport in disposable pans. I put soups in Mason jars.
- pork tenderloin sliced and fanned out over mashed potatoes with fresh green beans on the side
- lasagna, salad, garlic bread
- pulled pork sandwiches, BBQ sauce, baked beans, vegetables, apple crisp
- chicken enchiladas, quinoa, bean, and rice salad or cornbread, fresh fruit, and fresh salsa
- spaghetti and meatballs, mixed vegetables, and rolls
- Mexicali pie (taco meat, beans, tomatoes, corn with cornbread baked on top), and fruit
- butternut bisque, turkey and ham sandwich on a loaf of french bread, and spinach salad
- Shake and Bake pork chops, mashed potatoes, vegetables, and brownies
- broccoli soup, homemade wheat bread, and fruit salad.
If they have young children, avoid casseroles and most mixtures. Kids prefer to eat their foods separately and if it can be dipped in ketchup or dressing, all the better.
Carry your food on a tray or cookie sheet so if it spills, it won’t ruin your car interior.
Have your family help you prepare it and deliver it with you if it’s appropriate. This way they can have the experience of giving with you.
Try to make enough of everything so you have a meal to come home to. You’d think that would be obvious, but I’ve not always been good at this. It really is easier to make two meals at once than to come home to a messy kitchen and have to begin again for your own family. Sometimes my family doesn’t eat the same thing I prepare for another family because I don’t have enough ingredients. That’s okay.
Other than telling your family, keep your service a secret.
I believe that food is one way we can make our love visible. People feel remembered and loved when you take time to make food for them.