Give Food to a Grieving Family

When a close friend, aquaintance, co-worker, or neighbor suffers a devastating loss, most people ask themselves, "What can I do?" Beyond the expected sympathy card, flower arrangement, and attending the funeral or memorial service, that question can be remarkably difficult to answer.  No one wants to impose on a grieving person, but those going through a difficult time often don't know how to ask for help, or don't want to, especially if they are a proud or fiercely independent person.  That doesn't mean that a grieving family doesn't need help and support not just in the days or months, but in the years after their loss.  If you are wondering what you can do to help, consider organizing a Dinner Project.

The dinner project ensures that the grieving family is not forgotten in the months after their loss. Many grieving families are overwhelmed by the generosity of their friends and family in the days after the death.  Everyone they know is dropping off cookies muffins, or casseroles.  "Just throw it in the freezer!" friends say knowingly.  But the fact is, a freezer is only so big, and the thought of managing all of that food may be just as daunting as the thought of cooking.  

A little bit of organization can solve this problem! At the memorial service, approach each guest with a sign-up sheet.  Propose the plan to them and ask if they'd like to participate in donating a meal to the grieving family just once a month.  Most people can manage that, and if you get enough to sign up, they may have to donate even less often. You should also call up those who were not able to attend the service and propose the plan to them.

Now, it's your responsiblity to make a schedule and enforce it.  Have meals delivered to the family's doorstep at 4:30 or 5pm about four or five times per week.  Again, you do not want to overwhelm them, merely to take a worry off of their minds.  Assign each participant a specific day and send out a schedule in an email to everyone so that switches can happen if necessary.  Also send a list of general guidelines to all participants, including the family's food preferences, any allergies (obviously VERY important), and their address.

Here are some suggestions for easy, inexpensive dishes that travel well.

• Layered Mexican Dip can be prepared in a baking dish, so the family will just pop the dish in the oven when they're ready to serve it. It's a hearty dish with cheese, guacamole, and pinto beans--you can even add cooked ground beef to make it into a full meal.  Deliver together with several bags of tortilla chips.
• This slow-cooker recipe for Green Chili is a great bet if you have more time to cook in the morning than the afternoon.
• Drop off an entire Mandarin Roast Chicken that the family can enjoy for several meals.  
• Nothing satisfies like a lasagna.  This recipe for Seafood, Artichoke, and Leek White Lasagna is different from a traditional red sauce lasagna, but just as delicious.
• For another tasty pasta dish, try Pasta Carbonara. 
• Why not accompany the meal with a delicious dessert that travels superbly and keeps for a long time? Magical, Tropical Seven Layer Bars are simple and easy to make.