Your Guide to Cooking Food for Friends in Need
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Life happens to all of us, sometimes to those we love the most. In a time of need, one of the most helpful things you can do is cook up some food for friends. During major (sometimes stressful) life events, a home-cooked meal from a friend goes a long way to bring a smile to someone’s face.
Sharing a meal goes beyond just eating and can be an act of kindness and connection. Food has the power to comfort, bring people together, and provide healing.
And it’s less about the recipes and more about the positive impact we can make for a struggling family member or friend. So let’s use this guide to making meals for friends in need to show support to our loved ones.
When to Cook for Friends in Need
There are a lot of instances where it’s helpful to not have to cook. Going out to eat is, of course, an option, but everyone appreciates a home-cooked meal that’s delivered directly to their door. Here are a few times when you may want to take food to your friends:
- Death of a family member
- After a surgery
- Birth of a new baby
- The night before hosting a major event in their home (like a graduation party)
- When they’re going through a tough time
Tips to Bring Dinner to a Family
Bringing food for friends is a little bit different than cooking in your own kitchen. Since you’ll likely also be cooking for your own family too, it’s important to set realistic expectations.
These tips are designed to make the process not only simple for you but easy on your friends as well. So let’s dive into how to plan to take a meal to your loved ones in another household.
It’s All in the Details
Okay, hold off on the pots of boiling water and chopping extra veggies for just a second. You’ll want to take a few minutes to plan the meal appropriately. Think about the unique elements of your friend’s family. Are there any young kids or teenagers? The ages of the children will affect how much food you’ll need to make.
Now that you’ve got a headcount, think about any food allergies, dietary restrictions or meal preferences the family has. Perhaps someone is dairy-free or your friend really dislikes asparagus. The goal is to create a simple menu that everyone will love.
If you’re planning to cook meals for multiple days, or if it’s a group effort, consider using a website like takethemameal.com or mealtrain.com to stay organized. You’ll also want to avoid duplicate meals if you can – no one wants 3 lasagnas in a week (as much as we love lasagna!), even if they are different recipes.
Take Them a Meal That’s Ready to Eat
The key to providing a successful meal for your friends is to think about things that are easy to prepare and ready to eat. Typically, a main dish with 1-2 side dishes is ideal.
The main dish should be easy to reheat, so think comfort food like casseroles, roasts, meatloaf and baked pasta dishes. Ideally, you want to deliver the meal hot if at all possible. Keep the sides simple such as steamed veggies, fresh fruit, bagged salad, or a loaf of bakery bread.
Avoid bringing groceries to make a meal, since it isn’t helpful (at all!). Remember, the goal is to make your friend’s life easier and the last thing she may want to do is sort through groceries and try to cook a meal.
Lastly, include a dessert! I mean, who doesn’t love a sweet treat? Again, keep it easy such as a pint of your favorite ice cream, cookies, or a pan of brownies.
Be Realistic With Your Time
If your friend is in need of course you want to help. But don’t over-reach your spare time or ability. Even picking up a ready-made meal from your friend’s favorite restaurant is an excellent way to help out.
Or opt to pick up a couple of pre-made items like desserts, garlic bread, green salad or sides to accompany your homemade main dish.
Create Simple Meals for Food For Friends
The best way to bring dinner to a family is to cook a favorite go-to recipe. Make sure to include clear instructions on how to re-heat the meal or any tips for toppings (ie,”I love this with ranch dressing, which I’ve included”).
Now isn’t the time to experiment. Instead, choose a recipe that’s tried-and-true, easy to make, and ready to eat. Bonus points if it makes good leftovers!
Our Favorite Meals for Friends:
Tips for Packaging the Meal
No one wants to worry about dishes when they are going through a rough time, so keeping cleanup a breeze is always appreciated. Plus trying to return dishes is one less thing they’ll have to worry about.
To make make the meal delivery process easy for both you and the recipient, prepare hot foods in disposable containers like foil pans for easy heating and clean up. Package up things like sauces and salad dressings in condiment cups to avoid a soggy mess. I usually have meal prep containers on hand and like to use them to transport cold and room temperature foods but you can also use plastic containers or Ziploc bags.
If you don’t want to use disposable containers check thrift stores for inexpensive casserole dishes or purchase a cheap one from a big box store. Include a note that says it doesn’t need to be returned.
When you’re ready to deliver the meal, package it up in reusable grocery bags or a box for easy transportation.
The Little Extras That Make A Difference
You might also want to add something extra. It can be something small such as:
- Milk, juice, iced tea, coffee
- Something for breakfast (pick up scones, cereal, muffins, bagels or breakfast burritos)
- Scented candle
- Magazine or book
Another super helpful non-food idea is a “basics basket.” My family was the recipient of one of these baskets and let me tell you it was greatly appreciated. Since then I make a point to include some of these basic items whenever I take a meal to a friend.
It’s simple to put together. Just grab a few handy items such as assorted paper goods (paper plates, plastic silverware, tissues, paper towels or toilet paper), dishwasher detergent, dryer sheets, laundry detergent or any other basics you think they might need.
Be a Blessing, Not a Burden
Lastly, keep in mind this might not be the appropriate time to socialize. Instead, make the food drop off as efficient as possible. Perhaps even leaving the meal outside the door (just be sure to send a text and let them know it’s there). You don’t want your friends to feel like they need their home to be “guest ready” while they are stressed.
If you do get invited in, don’t overstay your welcome. Be conscious of everyone’s time and be a listening ear if your friend needs to vent.
Preparing a meal for your friends is a meaningful gesture during a time of struggle. And it’s more than just food – it’s an easy way to express your love, uplift spirits and help lessen the burden for people you care about.
