I can think of nothing more that a family with a newborn needs (maybe besides some extra cash and sleep) than to have meals covered the first couple weeks they are home. And that same philosophy applies when people have had surgery or a stressful week.

We have been blessed to have had my mom here the first week we were home and then Mr. McKinney stayed home for a week with us. But when you are trying to navigate all the new things going on, its so nice to have your basic need for continued nourishment met by friends and people who just care. And, we have been cared for.  I’m so grateful for the ladies/families who have stopped by with hot, hearty, healthy meals to keep our family cared for these first few weeks while we care for our little man!

So, what makes really good meals to carry to a family of a newborn?

• Soup – taco, chili, potato, vegetable, chicken stew, gumbo, or something fancy!
• Chicken pot pie
• Pot roast (we turned leftovers into Shepherd’s Pie)
• Lasagna
• Chicken Spaghetti
• Poppy Seed Chicken or King Ranch Chicken
• Tacos or fajitas and fixings
• Sloppy Joes
• really, any “casserole” or “bake” type meal that they can heat up whenever if the day you bring it doesn’t work or they already had a plan
• Freezer meals they can eat whenever
• Sandwich meat, bread, cheese and chips
• Bucket of chicken or chicken strips and sides
• to-go meal from their favorite restaurant in town
• Consider adding a salad kit or vegetable on the side
• Consider if they have kids and there is anything extra you could include for them like juice boxes or special snacks.
• You don’t have to include a dessert, but nothing makes you feel better than to eat your emotions! (brownies, banana pudding, pie, cookies – all make great choices)

Most of these meals would be good to carry to anyone who has just had surgery, is sick, has a sick kid, is moving, new medical diagnosis, just having a busy week, or rough day. One thing to always check is if anyone in the family has any allergies or dislikes. And, sometimes surgery or other medical conditions require dietary restrictions or change food preferences. It’s always good to ask: “anything I should avoid or not include in the meal?” or “is your family allergic to anything or have any food restrictions?”

Questions to ask when taking a meal:

• What night would be best?
• What time do you guys eat?
• Are you guys craving anything specific?
• What have you already had recently?
• Is your family allergic to anything or do you have any food restrictions?
• Is there anything else you need that I could bring with me?

And one more piece – always consider putting your food in dishes they do not have to return to you unless it’s someone you see often.  This will help keep your crockpot out of their backdoor/backseat when you need it at your house or you or them having a run around town trying to make a connection.

What if you don’t live in the same town, but want to do something?

• Have a pizza delivered to them at a certain time. Find out what they like and where they like pizza and set up the order – pay the tip even in your order.
• See if there is a local food delivery service in the area (something like Chef Shuttle or Bite Squad) – send them a link and ask them to pick a restaurant and tell you their order and call and set it up.
• Another, and perfectly fine option, is to mail them a gift card for a restaurant in their area. I love to send Panera cards when I know someone is having surgery (and has a Panera near them). Panera has a drive thru so they don’t have to get out, but they also have soup and other healthy options.

Other things you could do:

• offer to clean their house or pay for someone too
• take them a load of paper goods – plates (multiple sizes), flatware, napkins, cups, etc
• could you come by once a week just to help them tackle laundry or clean beds and remake them?
• toilet paper and paper towels are essentials everyone uses
• could you watch the baby or patient for a bit while the caretaker had the freedom to go run an errand or get out of the house for a bit
• depending on time of year could you take care of their yard or pay for it to be done

What is your favorite meal you’ve been brought by someone? What else should be on my “extras” list? How have you been loved in a time of need or sickness?