This list of 10 Meals to a family in need is a perfect guide for full meals you can bring to anyone who just had a baby, a death in the family, or someone who is sick or just too busy!

These days of a pandemic can seem so isolating and the need for human connection is real!  This is especially the case for people going through hard life events such as as postpartum, surgery, death in the family, or simply just trying to survive with a bunch of kids at home.  If you have a friend you know if dealing with any sort of issue and they live close enough to drop off some food, do it!  It can be such an easy way to show you care and will be one more thing they don’t have to worry about.  I love a good casserole dish you can drop off to reheat, but I also love a spread of different things that they can throw into a bowl with some fresh ingredients too.  I am sure your first thought is a lasagna or pasta, but we are going to think nourishment and variety here! Below you will find my 10 ideas for meals to take to a friend in need, from recipes to additions you can pick up at the grocery store.

Be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom to see the extras that are great to add to any meal delivery to really take it up a notch!

This list of 10 Meals to a family in need is a perfect guide for full meals you can bring to anyone who just had a baby, a death in the family, or someone who is sick or just too busy!

1) Greek Food Spread

Make:

  • Chicken Shawarma, Slow Cooker Greek Chicken or if you have my cookbook, the chicken from the Loaded Greek Lunch Bowl or the Gyro Meatballs!
  • Tahini Sauce
  • Tomato Cucumber Salad – Mix together 2 cups chopped cherry tomatoes and 1 cup chopped cucumbers with 2 tbsp oil, 1 tbsp red wine vinegar and season with salt and pepper.
  • Rice (any kind, basmati or brown)

Buy:

  • Bag of chopped romaine lettuce (or the recipient’s fave salad mix)
  • Hummus
  • Tzatziki
  • Feta Cheese
  • Pita Bread

This list of 10 Meals to a family in need is a perfect guide for full meals you can bring to anyone who just had a baby, a death in the family, or someone who is sick or just too busy!

2)  Taco Bar

Make:

  • Salsa Chicken or any ground meat cooked with taco seasoning
  • Fiesta Salad with Salsa Vinaigrette
    • Pre chop all veggies in baggies, except the avocado & make vinaigrette.
  • Rice with a squeeze of lime and some chopped cilantro

Buy:

  • Tortillas
  • Guacamole
  • Shredded cheese or cotija cheese
  • Salsa

3) Dijon Chicken & Mashed Potatoes

Make:

  • Instant Pot Dijon Chicken
  • Garlic Mashed Potatoes
    • Boil 6-7 yellow potatoes until fork tender (12-14 mins)
    • Combine in a bowl with 1/2 cup coconut milk, 1/3 cup chicken broth, 3 tbsp ghee, 2 tsp garlic powder, 2 tsp salt
    • Blend with an immersion blender or mash!

Buy:

  • Bagged Salad

4) Spring Veggie Shepards Pie

Make:

  • Spring Veggie Shepards Pie
    • You can make this recipe but not bake yet.  Write a note for them to preheat their oven to 400 degrees and bake for 30 minutes if coming from the fridge.

Buy:

  • Bagged Salad with dressing & toppings included

5) Whole30 Cheeseburger Casserole

Make:

  • Whole30 Cheeseburger Casserole 
    • You can use shredded cheese instead of cashew cheese if they aren’t dairy free and leave off the lettuce.
    • Pack the shredded lettuce separately and don’t bake the casserole yet.
    • Write a note for them to preheat their oven to 350 degrees and bake for 30 minutes if coming from the fridge, then top with the lettuce after cooking.

Buy:

  • Bag of frozen french fries if they are fry people!

6) Pulled Pork Sandwich Spread

Make:

Buy:

 

7) Fresh Summer Foods

Make:

8) Spaghetti & Meatballs done right!

Make:

  • Matt’s Famous Italian Turkey Meatballs
  • Spaghetti (regular, gluten free, whatever they need & will love)
    • When making spaghetti ahead for someone, toss it with a little bit of oil to keep it from all sticking together and leave instructions for them to reheat with a splash of water in the microwave)

Buy:

  • Jar of GOOD marinara
  • Parmesan cheese
  • A bagged salad with dressing with toppings included

 

9) Chicken Pot Pie Casserole

Make:

  • Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
    • This recipe I used a paleo biscuit but you can also buy any roll of biscuits and pack those with everything for them to throw on top before baking at 400 degrees for 30 minutes out of the fridge.

Buy:

  • Bagged Salad with dressing & toppings include

This list of 10 Meals to a family in need is a perfect guide for full meals you can bring to anyone who just had a baby, a death in the family, or someone who is sick or just too busy!

10) Asian Inspired Dinner Spread

Make:

Buy:

  • Frozen Egg Rolls
  • Bottle of either Soy Sauce, Tamari or Coconut Aminos

This list of 10 Meals to a family in need is a perfect guide for full meals you can bring to anyone who just had a baby, a death in the family, or someone who is sick or just too busy!

Important Extras:

  • Drinks

    • Wine or ingredients to make their favorite cocktail (if they drink of course)
    • Pack of sparkling waters
    • Jug of cold brew or your favorite coffee ground
    • A few kombuchas
    • Pack of your favorite tea
    • If it is in the colder months, this Paleo Hot Chocolate Mix

If you found this 10 Meals to Bring to a Friend in Need post helpful, pin the image below so others can find it too!

This list of 10 Meals to a family in need is a perfect guide for full meals you can bring to anyone who just had a baby, a death in the family, or someone who is sick or just too busy!