Some suggestions for making meal service less stressful:
~ Ask about allergies and preferences. Keep in mind if the mom is breastfeeding and is avoiding any foods or spices.
~ If the family has children, remember to make kid-friendly food.
~ Make things easy on yourself - homemade is great, but store bought is too.
~ Might as well double what you're making and feed your family too, or freeze it for another night.
~ Remember condiments or sauces that finish the meal.
~ Dessert. It's nice to offer, but not always necessary.
~ Label the food with contents and instructions for reheating; or use painter's tape or masking tape as your label.
~ If you have time, include the recipe. Most of the time food prepared by other people is such a treat and it's always nice to get new suggestions for meals.
~ It's always nice to include some treats for later, or something extra for breakfast the next morning. Again - don't feel obligated. Some days are more conducive to doing this than others.
~ Use disposable containers for packing and delivering your food.
~ Purchase foil trays, baking pans, pie tins, take-out containers etc. from the Dollar Store.
~ If you need something sturdier than foil, but don't want the hassle of getting your dish back, check out Guardian Angel or the Goodwill for inexpensive crockery.
~ Remember to tell the receiver that you don't need the dishes back.
~ Use elastic bands to further secure foil or plastic-wrap covered dishes.
~ If bringing more liquid meals in a pot or crock pot, cover over with foil and then top with a lid for extra spill-proof measures. When you get to your destination, ask if you can transfer the food into a dish belonging to the home you are delivering to.
~ Use a cardboard box as a carrier for hot casseroles or pots of soup.
~ Le Farm Bakery has fantastic paper bags with handles that a 9x13 dish fits perfectly into. They are free if you purchase something delicious (small plug for my favorite bakery in Cary).
~ Don't overstay your welcome when dropping off.
Scripture
"And after ye have obtained a hope in Christ...do good—to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick and the afflicted" Jacob 2:19