How to Feed a Grieving Friend on a Food Train
The circumstances of death are always surprising. Even if it’s not sudden, when it’s been weeks – even months – there is always the shock of absence and loss, as well as the overwhelming feeling that comes with all the details to consider during your hospital stay. pangs of grief. This is when people tend to neglect their own well-being, as self-care is often the last priority after caring for children and organizing funerals.
At times like these, people need someone to step in and help them overcome the darkness, and this is where the food train comes to the rescue. If you haven’t heard of the concept yet, the idea is actually pretty simple: a group of people get together to ensure that loved ones have a steady stream of food so they don’t have to worry about shopping or cooking for a while.
Collect troops and schedule
Typically, a friend or family member who is prone to extroversion and project management should take the initiative to reach out to the social circle and plan the meeting. At this meeting, everyone will determine the train schedule and who can participate on which days. It is normal to arrange meals for a couple of weeks after death, although some trains can take up to a month if the death is sudden, especially if the deceased is an elderly person or a widow with young children.
Once this time is determined, it is recommended that you set up a calendar that you can share with everyone involved . Delivery can be once or twice a day, depending on whether people provide one-time meals, such as meals, or take care of all the cooking needs. You can coordinate with the bereaved person to find out which delivery time is best for them, but please don’t expect them to be outgoing when you leave food; Leaving it in the large refrigerator on the porch may be the easiest thing for them to do.
List food preferences and sensitivities
Those who know the recipient well should make a list of foods they know to like and dislike, as well as any allergies, sensitivities, or dietary restrictions. If the food train is set up to prepare meals for the whole family, then the list should be a little more complete, as it should include the same details for children, spouses, family members with special needs, etc. if in doubt, ask; the recipient may be a little overwhelmed, but you can be sure they’d rather take a minute or two to clarify things like hate cilantro or gluten allergies rather than presenting a great meal they can’t enjoy.
Mix it up and make it interesting
Food for comfort is vital in times like these, but comfort comes in many forms. You can not eat only casseroles, and, caring for loved ones in need, it is better not to infect them with scurvy. A small additional organization can provide a variety and healthy combination of foods. Here are some tips on how to do this:
- In a shared calendar, be sure to publish the shared dishes you will create so that the recipient does not get piled up with the same dishes night after night. The pasta dishes are great, as are the enchilada, stews, soups and stews.
- If you are cooking for children, consider baby food. Ask friends and extended family about what children love to eat; in difficult times, it is much easier to feed children without fighting or coercion.
- Remember to keep fresh fruits and vegetables in mind. Salads, smoothies, raw vegetables and sauces are all great ideas to put in the fridge along with your main meals and offset any possible carbohydrate overload.
- If the food you are making is easy to freeze, consider making a double batch and transferring one portion to a freezer-safe container. Once the food train is ready, you will have cold storage reserves for tough days.
- Takeaway is fine too. In fact, the recipient’s favorite Thai dish or pizza with a pint of ice cream can be a pleasant surprise.
Sometimes, when people are recovering from a loss, they will refrain from eating as much as they should, or may feel unwell while enjoying a certain meal because they feel guilty about having any joy when they should be sad. around the clock. The process of mourning takes time, and as people go through different stages, it is important to provide them with support and, if necessary, space. Encourage them to eat, reassure them that yes, they should, and that they absolutely deserve a little treat during their recovery.
Ultimately, you have two goals here: comfort and nutrition. If you can provide these two forms of support for the person who is grieving, rest assured that you are helping them immensely as they emerge from despair and deprivation. Love heals, and dishes prepared with love nourish body and soul together.