Community Chat

[Janey2]

You all missed the point. It has nothing to do with not thinking this is a great idea, I just could never eat food from someone's kitchen if I do not know you. I know many people who feel this way. How would I know if your place is clean or not. How would I know if the ingredients were fresh? So many questions and it has nothing to do with being appreciative or not. Just could not do it.

[RedTop]

I would not want this done for me.  My food allergies were diagnosed 15 years into my marriage and my own mother never caught on to preparing certain foods for me.  I'm very rigid about the foods I eat and had to do dietary consults before my knee replacement surgeries.  I don't eat food prepared by other people I know, now.  

I would certainly try to help someone in this situation, but would prefer paying for their grocery or restaurant order.  

[50Mickey]

One of my neighbors recently had surgery and someone organized Meal Train. I signed up and brought pot roast, mashed potatoes, green beans and small cupcakes for the family. They did request no seafood and nothing spicey.  I received a thank you and my neighbor said that they had enough for 2 days.

For those who do not eat food from a neighbor or a friend, I guess you have never enjoyed a pot luck church social, or a July 4th picnic or a dinner on the gounds where people bring food and everyone shares in the bounty. That's too bad.  Just from my experience I have never heard of anyone getting sick or dying from these events.  I am so thankful for these get togethers. For the record I am 74 and I have never been sickened by meals brought by friends or neighbors when I experienced a death in the family. 

[Bri369]

If you don't eat food prepared by other people, I would think you wouldn't sign up for these services. 

[PA Mom-mom]

@JeanLouiseFinch  This is new to me, too. My DD just told me she organized a "Meal Train" at her church for a friend who just lost her mother. That was the first time I heard that term. Our church always had a committee to cover the meal needs. Having a group of friends and neighbors do the meals sounds fine. As long as everyone knows evryone else, I don't see anything wrong with that.

[lgfan]

People have different preferences.  Some people do not like to eat food from people they do not know.  It shouldn't be taken as an insult.  It is just a personal choice.  

[Traceybakes]

I was the recipient of a Meal Train twice during very difficult times.  I appreciated it so much. To not have to shop or figure out meals was extremely helpful.  I knew the people sending the meals. Sometimes they were homemade and other times delivered from a restaurant.  I think it's a very helpful thing.  Wishing those involved a full recovery.  

[teganslaw]

I've heard of this but didn't know it was called "meal train." It's a nice gesture, and a person has the choice whether to use it or not. 

I realize that some people don't like eating a meal prepared by a person they don't know. I would guess that these people never  like eating in restaurants or attend take outs, etc. . If not, that's their prerogative. 

[Oznell]

@JeanLouiseFinch ,  agreed!   Good for you.  They are so helpful to people for whom just getting food, or meal prep has become difficult, for various reasons.

The last meal train that I'm aware of at our church, was for a hard-working couple with at least one or two toddlers, at least one or two pre-schoolers, and a brand new baby.  Needless to say, the Mom was exhausted.  We could look on the list and see what meals they had already had, so I wouldn't be bringing something they'd be too bored with.

The kids were adorable, and very excited to see what was brought.  I think the train went on for about 2 weeks, just so the family could get on their feet.          

[chrystaltree]

If I couldn't cook or shop for myself; I would be grateful and thankful for such kindness and generosity.   We eat restaurant food.  We eat at weddings, parties, cookouts and showers and we don't die.  So how is this different?