The Trick to a Good Meal Train? Doing It.
When someone you care about is dealing with an ongoing, limiting illness like breast cancer, or recovering from an intensive surgery like a mastectomy, food quickly becomes one of the most practical and appreciated ways to show up. But “Let me know if you need anything” doesn't put dinner on the table.
What to do? Get a meal train going. Organizing a meal train doesn't have to be a big deal. Here’s how to actually get it done:
Get started
If it feels awkward to bring up, just assume it’s already happening:
“I’d love to help. Is there already a meal train I can join, or can I get it going for you?”
Ask first
It should go without saying, but first confirm with your person (or their closest caregiver) if they want meals delivered. Then, find out what their food preferences / needs are and also confirm what is ideal for them: home-cooked, takeout, freezer meals, grocery gift cards, etc.
Pick a tool
Mealtrain.com and SignUpGenius are very easy for this, but in a pinch, even a shared Google Sheet works. Make sure to include a space where people write down what they are bringing – this helps others contribute a balanced range of food so the person you are caring for doesn’t end up like Garfield with limitless lasagnas.
Set specific dates and times
It’s better to have three solid meals a week for a month than a flood of food all at once. Stagger it. Sustain it.
Stick to basics
Stick to the basic information - what’s needed, when, any dietary restrictions, delivery instructions, etc. Extra things to think about:
-- Knock, ring or text when dropping off food?
-- Reusable or disposable containers?
-- Dietary restrictions
-- Where to drop the food (front door, back door, neighbor, etc)
Give options
Encourage people on the meal train to consider a grocery or meal delivery gift card as an add-on or alternative to a home-cooked meal.
Organizing a meal train isn't about being perfect. It's about showing up in a way that actually eases someone’s load when they need it most. So, get in there and get it done!