Sometimes events happen in people’s lives where they don’t have time to cook for themselves. In comes a meal train! Check out these tips to organize your own meal train for someone you love.
What Is a Meal Train?
A meal train is an organized group that provide meals for someone going through something that prevents them from cooking. Usually, something they are going through is a major life event, such as having a baby, having a loved one pass away, etc. Putting together a meal train takes the burden off figuring out what meals to make for the person and it shows that you care about them.
Organize the Meal Train
The first step to getting a meal train going is to have one person organize it. This means they reach out to other family and friends and see if they want to be involved in the meal train. Organization is key and just starting the process by reaching out will be a big help.
How to Keep Track of the Meal Train
Spreadsheets are your best friend! Keeping track of a meal train can be a headache, so it is recommended to use a spreadsheet that you can easily share with others. This makes it easy to see what meals everyone has signed up for and helps make sure that there is no overlap of the meals made.
Find Out Food Preferences and Allergies
You definitely need to find out what the person you are cooking for prefers and if they have any food allergies. The worst thing you can do is make a bunch of food and then find out they can’t eat it. This is especially important if you are cooking for more than one person — sometimes kids are picky eaters!
How Long Should You Meal Train?
The length of time that you meal train depends on some different variables. Is the person suffering an illness? Did they just get home from surgery? Did a loved one pass away? Did they have a baby? Answering these questions will help you determine if you need to do a meal train for weeks or perhaps months (months is usually for someone who has had a baby).
Coordinate When to Drop Off the Food
The worst thing you can do is show up unannounced. It is best to plan a time when the person is at home and ready to see guests. Always talk to them before you go over to drop off your food.
Provide Meals That Are Frozen and Fresh
Fresh meals are ready to go in the oven right away. Frozen meals can be stored for a later time. Make sure that with every meal, you include date labels and also include heating instructions. You don’t want your recipient to not know how to cook the food!
Use Containers That You Are Willing To Part With
Using your favorite casserole dish might be a mistake because the person receiving the meal train might forget to give it back. Things get mixed up all the time, so it is best to use containers that you don’t mind never seeing again or using disposable pans. This also makes it easier for the person receiving the food, because they don’t have to worry about an extra step of having to give containers back.
Read More: The 10 Ingredients Most Likely to Trigger Food Allergies
Plan for More Than Just Dinner
Dinners are great for meal trains, but everyone is probably going to plan on making dinners. Try to think outside the box and plan some breakfasts, lunches, or snacks. The recipient of the meal train will be grateful for whatever they receive, but they will be especially grateful for variety.
Read More: 10 Versatile Ingredients to Stock Your Pantry With
Give the Gift of Gift Cards
Gift cards to restaurants are also welcome on meal trains! You can give a gift card to any of their favorite restaurants or even a meal delivery service. This will give them a chance to go out to eat or to order food to eat at home.
Read More: 15 Helpful Tips to Organize Your Closet