Meals are an incredible way to express kindness and generosity when supporting individuals affected by cancer. Last year more than ever in my life, I experienced and appreciated the incredible generosity of family, friends and colleagues who rallied to provide meals amidst the news of a brain tumor prognosis in March 2021. This support extended for months both pre- and post surgery and well into recovery. These meals came in many forms and from many places.
As we experienced, ‘meal trains’ - whether organized through a meal train site formally or whether done with friends informally - are a HUGE help to individuals and families at times of need. I learned first hand the many different creative ways that this can be done, and would like to share in the event this may help inspire or provide ideas for you. I'd also note - these ideas may benefit not only those affected by cancer, but really anyone in need of support or care.
Gift cards to grocery stores and restaurants: As soon as I shared my prognosis, we were gifted several cards to grocery stores and restaurants. These came in very handy when needing to quickly pick up basics at the grocery store, or to feed family members who’d come in town to help out. The bonus is that many of these cards don’t expire…so you can use them at any time of need and in different locations. If you don’t know what type of food that an individual may want to eat or what sort of dietary issues they may be grappling with, these sorts of cards offer a lot of flexibility in terms of choice.
Gift certificates/credit for services such as Uber Eats: These saved the day several times when my family and I were driving (or flying, in the case of my parents and sisters) to and from North Carolina. We didn’t know the local area well, so it was easy to use Uber Eats to locate food that could be delivered right to our hotel. Convenience was everything after a long day of travel, and especially during the difficult days pre and post surgery. I am so grateful to friends, family and colleagues who were so generous with both gift cards and gift certificates that benefited my whole family.
Ready-made meals: There are so many food delivery services that now offer ready-made meals, both fresh and frozen. Both have their benefits! Frozen food can come in handy when in a pinch. It’s also really good to keep in the home in the event somebody stays at your place to watch pets or the home while you’re away for an extended period at the hospital. Frozen meals can always be accompanied by a fresh salad, fruit, or a cooked vegetable to add some seasonal nutrition. Ready made meals from meal services can also be a wonderful gift. If you know an individual well and know what they like, ordering something individual to their taste is great too. My colleagues even ordered Baltic rye bread and had it sent to my home. What a wonderful surprise!
Homemade meals & meal drop-offs: I was incredibly fortunate to have wonderful friends in the D.C. area who put together a meal train for me, starting immediately after my first hospital stay. This ‘meal train’ was comprehensive! It included rotating meal drop offs coordinated through an online platform, gifts from a dear friend and incredible neighbor who both brought over soup regularly, meals from friends who showered us with treats from local grocery stores, and my sisters’ and parents’ homemade meals when visiting. All vegan, all healthy, all delicious and so appreciated.
I was gifted so much last year during my months of need, and for that I will always be grateful. I’ll never forget the time, energy and effort behind all of the meals that Baur and I had for many months in 2021, and the thoughtful notes, cards, texts, or visits that accompanied the meals. Each one was an expression of generosity, kindness and love. Each one made us feel grateful for the support of community, near and far. Food is nourishment, food is life, and food is love. When gifted to others, especially in times of need, it can make a world of positive difference.
August 9, 2022
Pictured: a meal and flowers provided by dear friends in Washington, D.C. as part of a regular food train, spring and summer 2021.
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