Bringing Meals to those in Need

We hope to never be in a situation where a loved one is in a time of need, but life is unpredictable. Whether it be times of pandemic, sickness, bereavement or you are caring for someone elderly or with mobility challenges, food is not only a basic need but also a way to connect. Let’s keep our communities strong by sharing a meal or bringing groceries and a smile.

1. Get the conversation started. Contact the individual to offer help and suggest bringing them a cooked meal or freezer-ready food.

2. What types of items should you bring? 

- Consider food restrictions, sensitivities, dietary preferences and nutritional requirements when planning the meal. Cookies and cakes are delicious and may be a welcome sight, but maybe what that individual really needs is a hearty pot of home-cooked chicken soup, or freshly cut veggies with a nutritious hummus or salsa.

- Include shelf stable food items to complement the item you’ve made. If you’ve made a saucy main, include items like dry pasta, rice, quinoa or barley in your care package. A bag of ready-to-eat salad mix will boost nutrition and round-out almost any meal. 

- Limited skill in the kitchen? Not a problem! A container of store-bought soup and a loaf of bakery-fresh whole-grain bread is a great way to show you care.  

- Consider non-food items as well. Families with babies may need a box of diapers or formula to keep them going, a new book for a toddler or puzzles and board games for older kids. Ask if they have enough drinking water if it is a concern.

3. Arrange for a drop-off time and location. Ensure the recipient has enough space to safely store food items. 

4. If possible, cook, bake, cool and freeze food ahead. 

- Package items in appropriate portion sizes for the recipient. Consider the recipient’s age when filling containers. Do they eat a lot or a little? 

- If you’d like a container back, write your name on a piece of masking tape and put it on bottom of the container. Let the recipient know you’d like it back and arrange to pick it up at a later date. 

- Label all food items with the name of the food, a use-by date, and any storage, preparation or cooking instructions. As an added bonus, and if it’s appropriate, you can write what to serve as a side (like bread, cooked pasta, rice or a salad).  

5. If you are traveling far or if they are contagious, organize a food-safe delivery system.  

- Pack items in insulated bags for both hot and cold items. Use freezer packs or baggies of ice if appropriate.  

- For delivery, always keep in mind the food safety rule: 2 hours maximum at room temperature, keeping hot foods hot and cold foods cold. 

- Always practice safe personal and kitchen hygiene but be especially careful when making food for the elderly, young children and for someone who is sick.  

- As a special touch, include your name or a note of care or concern.

Recipes to consider when preparing food for someone in need: