Oh I just LOVE a good meal train! When we were stationed in Germany for the women of our church were such meal train WARRIORS I learned a lot about what it means to serve someone with a hot, home cooked meal. Where we lived in Germany there was little takeout, restaurants and grocery stores were closed on Sunday and of course, everyone was halfway across the world from their family (those that might usually provide food during a tough season.) So, meal trains were LIFE!

Whether someone was sick, in the hospital, had a husband deployed, or just had a fresh newborn baby- the meal train went out, everyone signed up and they had a few weeks if not a month of hot, fresh meals flowing to their doorstep.

Up until that season of my life I had never made a meal for a total stranger. I remember the first meal train I heard of was for a woman undergoing cancer treatment and was in the hospital. I remember immediately saying “woah hey that’s not for me. I don’t know her, I hate hospitals, and what would I even cook?” I regretted this decision quite a bit over the next few years as I actually got to know that woman as she healed and I even served under her when she became the head of Women’s ministry. I realized that not only had I missed out on a chance to step out of my comfort zone and serve her, I missed out on a chance for the Lord to bless ME through my obedience to this call- a simple thing: cook a meal, bring it to someone who needed it.

When we had David in 2018 I was completely blown away by the meals that arrived. Some from total strangers! Nobody barged in or insisted on seeing the baby, so many were quietly left on our doorstep and tears come to my eyes when I remember the nutritious soups and homemade bread and breakfast scones that were cooked just for us. How my body was nourished so beautifully while I was able to stay in on the couch, snuggling my newborn and allowing my body to heal.

So this is my encouragement to start that meal plan for a friend that you know needs it! And when you see one shared- sign up right away! To help, let’s dive into my 5 tips and tried and true recipes for sharing a meal with another family:

1. Don’t overthink it! This is an opportunity for you to serve and love on someone else in a big (non-invasive) way! I know you might be thinking…

“I don’t know what kinds of things they eat, what they like and don’t like”
“I am not a good cook”
“I don’t have time for this”
“It’s going to be weird when I drop it off”
“I don’t even know them”
“Someone else will do it”

And to that I say:

Usually the meal train sign up includes information about allergies and things they don’t like eating- so steer clear of those and you are all set!
You are probably a better cook than you think, but stick to a tried and true recipe YOUR family loves and they will love it too! Nothing beats a hot meal you didn’t have to cook or clean up from.
Time is a precious resources, so just ask yourself if you REALLY don’t have the time in this season (and if not, that’s okay!) or if you can make it work. More tips on “time” below!
It’s only weird if you make it weird! If you want to avoid an awkward social interaction just text them and ask if you can drop it off on their doorstep! But I promise it will fill your love tank to see their appreciation and the joy on their faces as you hand them the food!
Don’t know them? Even better! Blessing someone you don’t even know is truly being the hands and feet of Christ.
They might and they might not. If others sign up I guarantee there is another slot for you. And if nobody does, then at least they have you!

2. TIME: If you are worried about having time, let me ask you this: is there one night this week you already plan to make dinner for your family? If so then great! Double the recipe and package it up to be dropped it off the next day. Maybe your spouse can drop it off on their way to work. In my experience, things can be dropped off anytime during the day and they can heat up whenever they need it! Don’t feel like you have to deliver it hot off the press right at mealtime. It’s flexible!

3. PACKAGING: I have learned a lot about this through trial and error. Having the right packaging can go a long way. First thing: DISPOSABLE. Do not make that poor new mama wash your dishes and worry about getting them back to you when she finally emerges 6 weeks from now. Make the small investment into disposable packaging whenever you do your grocery shopping and you will be so happy your casserole dish isn’t being held hostage and SHE will be so happy she can just chuck the packaging once the meal is done. Added bonus: if they don’t get to it right away or have a ton of leftovers, they can freeze it right in that packaging. A few of my favs:

For soup: my go to plastic containers! These containers are so great: they hold a lot, stack well and don’t leak. I also use these to freeze things in my own freezer.
For baked goods and casseroles: disposable aluminum pans they can toss when the meal is done. You can buy them in packs of 1-5 at any grocery store, Target, Walmart etc.
Recycle and save small jars: for salad dressing or toppings
For a salad: take out some of the salad from the plastic package you buy the greens in and then put their salad right inside there! Close it back up and you are all set
Mason jars: for things I don’t have another good container for I use mason jars. (look for them on buy nothing, garage sales etc to get them cheap) I have a ton of them and I always tell them not to worry about giving it back. They can reuse or pass along to someone else.
Paper Plates + Plastic Wrap: don’t underestimate what you can plop on a paper plate and simply cover with plastic wrap. Desserts, a quiche (once cooled), bread, etc.
Gladware: if the commercials alone don’t reassure you that it’s okay to throw this stuff away, I’m not sure what else I can say ;D Joking aside, this Tupperware is fairly cheap and can easily be reused or tossed, but at least you wont stress about getting it back.

4. EXTRA’S: The small extras go a long way! Do you make sourdough? Include a loaf even if it doesn’t go with your meal! Do you love to bake? Sending dessert is a huge win, especially if they have kids. Cooking something you aren’t sure her 4 kids will enjoy? Throw in a few boxes of Annie’s Mac n Cheese just in case. Have a favorite overnight oats recipe? Include that too! Delivering to a new mama? Add in a few of your favorite snacks (tangerines, trail mix, Lara bars) for those late-night feeding sessions. Reminder: a one-casserole meal is ENOUGH! Don’t put extra pressure on yourself. But if you have it in you to include a few extra things, it will go a LONG way!

5. RECIPE’S: my favorite part! Again, don’t overthink this! What does your family just LOVE that you cook? What is healthy and nourishing and maybe really good heated up for leftovers the next day for lunch? My go to’s:

Soup + Salad (This is what I almost ALWAYS make- its vegetarian but hardy, fresh and nutritious and heats up really well for leftovers.
Chili + cornbread
Chicken Salad + fruit
Enchiladas + Chips and Salsa
Build your own grilled-chicken salad (bring all the components and let them assemble per their taste!)
Blueberry Muffins for dessert or breakfast

* Bonus thought: if you are simply not a home chef in any way and you barely even cook for yourself or your family (first of all, no judgement here!) but I am here to remind you, you can STILL bless a family in this way! Here are a few ideas:

Send them an UberEats or other food delivery gift card
Get a frozen lasagna and bag salad from the grocery store
Grab a pre-made Costco meal
Pick up some Chicken Salad Chick, chips, buns, and pre-cut fruit and make it a picnic basket sort of thing!

There are so many options- figure out what works for your skills, time and budget!

I hope this was helpful and will inspire you to say YES the next time you see that meal train going around! I promise you this: the work will be well worth the reward. You are blessing someone when they really need it and the gesture will not go unappreciated!