The Art of Taking Someone a Meal- Simplified
Growing up, my mom always took people meals.
It wasn’t just for new babies or after a funeral (though she showed up for those too). It was anytime she noticed someone having a hard moment—surgery recovery, a tough week, life just feeling heavy. She’d quietly cook, pack it all up, and drop it off like it was the most natural thing in the world.
As a kid, I didn’t think much of it. But now? I see how much that shaped me. And not to mention how much effort it took to do that on a regular basis.
These days, I try to carry on that tradition… just with a few shortcuts that make it a little more manageable for my current season. Although major props to my mom who would make from scratch casseroles, fresh tossed salad, delicious homemade brownies etc… ( no shortcuts were taken :)
Here’s the deal: bringing someone a meal doesn’t have to mean spending hours in the kitchen or pulling off some Pinterest-perfect spread. I’ve got a little formula I stick to that makes it simple:
I always keep a few aluminum pans on hand—easy to transport, no need to return, and one less thing for the other person to deal with.
Bagged salad? A yes. Sometimes I’ll toss in some extra veggies, sometimes I just hand it over as-is. Pro tip: Match the main dish when possible ( southwestern for a Mexican theme, asiago kale for Italian etc)…
Rotisserie chicken is one of my secret weapons to build an easy meal. ( Enchiladas, chicken pesto pasta etc)
A kid friendly staple ( think- applesauce, cut fruit, tortilla chips etc)
For dessert, I go with break-and-bake cookies or something super simple.
Basically: One homemade item + store-bought help = still full of love.
It’s not fancy, but it’s real. And it makes a difference.
Sometimes we think showing up for others has to look a certain way, but honestly? Just noticing and doing is enough in most cases.
Food is such a practical way to say: I see you. I care. You’re not alone.
Write a brief description of the ingredients right on the top of the aluminum pan ( along with instructions for cooking).
