Giving food can be a great way to help someone who is grieving.  Whether they don't have the time or the energy to cook, giving a meal can lift a huge burden off their shoulders.  However, there are some pitfalls that can be easily avoided with a little thought and planning.  It is always easiest if there is a coordinator so that people can get this information from them rather than repeatedly bothering the griever.  But, if there is no coordinator, do contact the griever or another family member to make sure you find out this information.

First, make sure to check if there are any allergies or foods to avoid.

Second, find out what foods they would enjoy.

Third, find out what they have already received so you aren't giving them more of the same.  Once when we were receiving meals, we got three large pans of lasagna in the same week.

There are websites now that will help plan these types of things.  Such options include:

• Meal Train

• Food Tidings

• Take Them A Meal

• Care Calendar

For those who don't or can't cook, giving gift certificates to restaurants is perfectly appropriate, as grievers may want to get out of the house.