Food to take to a home that has had a death in the family

[babylisa4]

I know this isn't a good topic but do you have some ideas or recipes or experiences of what is the most appreciated thing to have brought when you have a death in the family?

 

[JoenAdamnErinnSam]

My boss sent a deli platter, rolls, salads, etc. when my Dad passed away-it was very welcome since we had lots of people in and out, kids to feed at all different times, so it was not a strain on us to feed them, we just took it out when we needed it. And we didn't have to worry about heating things up.HTH

 

[goofymom/pop]

but I have sent many things, deli trays, hams, spaghetti and meatballs but the response I got from my girlfriend when I sent a sheet pizza was one of sheer relief. She said they didn't have to heat it up, everyone liked it and it could be eaten with just napkins. No fuss....of course this was for between the viewing hours. But really she said it was the best thing she got for her Moms funeral. You can order one, add a big salad in a throw away container, with a bottle of dressing, a couple 2 liters and dinner is ready for them when they need it.

 

[Traveliz]

I take care of my nieces and nephews and when my mom died (their grandma) one of the best things I received was a kid friendly bag of juice boxes, snacks, premade sandwiches etc, including paper everything....the person who did it knew that even though it was my mom that died the kids would still be around my house throughout everything. I thought that was great.

My next favorite items were a deli tray and bread (from another smart neighbor)

and then finally the same person who brought the kids stuff brought what essentially was lunch for alot the day of the Memorail (bbq all ready in a crock pot), salad, buns and dessert.

Liz

 

[DeborahA]

This may sound strange but when a co-workers Mom died, we knew that there would be alot of out of town guests that would be staying at the Mom's home. We took the essentials like, milk, cereal, pop, juice, paper towels, toilet paper and paper plates.
Sometimes it is so hard to know what to do and the little things can mean alot.
Deb

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Lasagna is good. It's filling, with little fuss to serve, and half can be frozen for later if they wish. Bring a nice loaf of crusty bread with it.

 

[JudithM]

A few times I have taken an assortment of bagels & cream cheese. That way anyone can just grab something to eat without a big mess or cooking. I do like to cook or bake, too, though - baked lasagna; sausage, peppers & onions; cake, brownie, cookies, etc.

When my grandfather died several years ago, we had so many ham/deli meat platters that my uncle said the next platter of meats to arrive was going to a homeless shelter.

 

[clh2]

Lasagna is good. It's filling, with little fuss to serve, and half can be frozen for later if they wish. Bring a nice loaf of crusty bread with it.

Sorry - I will disagree with Lasagna specifically for this type of situation. When my FIL passed away, several people sent lasagna. I had Lasagna about 4 nights in a row. It was really hot, as the funeral had been in late June. For me personally - it was YEARS before I could eat it again.

When my grandma passed away, my dad's employer sent my dad a fruit basket, which was appreciated by many.

 

[ksjayhawks]

One of the best things we got when my dad died were containers of soup and rolls. Next was deli meats, bread, mayo, cheese, etc.

 

[allie&mattsmom]

When my Dad passed away, we had people bring casseroles like lasagna with a loaf of garlic bread and a salad which was nice. Someone also brought a very good vegetable soup, this was nice b/c it was January and it was absolutely freezing outside! One friend went to the grocery store and picked up cereal for the kids, cookies, chips, bread, donuts, soda, juice for the kids. That came in real handy. We had lots of coffe cakes and that sort of thing. Things that can be thrown in the freezer for later are great. We also had a friend that brought a tray of fresh fruit. IMO, anything will be great and appreciated.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Sorry - I will disagree with Lasagna specifically for this type of situation. When my FIL passed away, several people sent lasagna. I had Lasagna about 4 nights in a row. It was really hot, as the funeral had been in late June. For me personally - it was YEARS before I could eat it again.

When my grandma passed away, my dad's employer sent my dad a fruit basket, which was appreciated by many.

LOL, how can you disagree with lasagna??

I'll have to agree with you in one way: we got several too while I was undergoing cancer treatment, however I froze them and was happy to have them later on when I wasn't up to cooking. Then again, I'm Italian so I love that type of thing anytime!!

 

[clh2]

LOL, how can you disagree with lasagna??

I'll have to agree with you in one way: we got several too while I was undergoing cancer treatment, however I froze them and was happy to have them later on when I wasn't up to cooking. Then again, I'm Italian so I love that type of thing anytime!!

In our circumstances, the lasagna was an awful thing to have. It was hot, the house didn't have air, it was over 90 outside, hotter inside the house, the oven needed to be turned on to heat it up. Freezing it wasn't a great option either, since most of DH's sibs were in from out of town staying at hotels. We were working at the house before/after the funeral, in preparation for the house to be sold. We ate the lasagna for lunch and dinner. Lasagna is a great meal in the winter. In June 2 times a day for 4-days, it was nasty.

 

[Spinning]

depending on the family, I will vary what I bring. Recently a friend lost a brother, food was over flowing and things like that. But she needed toilet paper, paper towels, paper goods....
I love the sandwhich trays also. Because again no cooking involved or clean up.
Also if you know the family well, send food over in a crock pot. That way it won't heat the house up, can stay warm all day. Or could even be taken over in the AM and cook all day and they come back to a hot meal.

Also for a dear friend when she lost her mom I brought her bath salts, a magazine and nice lotion. I know that sounds like an odd thing to bring but her mom had cancer, was sick for a long time and she was beat. This way when the house was empty she could take the time to pamper herself and have a good cry.

Also gift cert to pizza places and such.

 

[malibuconlee]

So many people bring food, one of the things that my step-mom really appreciated when dad died was stamps. There are so many thank you notes to send out.

When my aunt died, instead of sending flowers I bought a roll of stamps.

Deli trays are always a good thing too. Or a selection of donuts/rolls/bagels from a local bakery. They don't take up room in the fridge or need to be heated.

Take over 12 packs of different sodas.

 

[Paula S.]

For the ocassions that I had to send things to home where a family member had passed I sent a basket of fruit. It wasn't just fruit it was from one of the places that cut the fruit into shapes and then put them on skewers so that you just pull the whole skewer out. The fruit basket actually looks like a boquetof flowers. I can't recall the names of the company but there are q bunch of them. SOmeone else may be able to help with the name.

Paula

 

[pumba]

chinese pie which is easy and fast for one to make and also to warm up in the microwave or in the oven. I made alot of the meatballs in sauce and brought italian rolls for someone to make meatball subs. American chop suey or meatsauce with any type of pasta...

 

[ksjayhawks]

So many people bring food, one of the things that my step-mom really appreciated when dad died was stamps. There are so many thank you notes to send out.

Take over 12 packs of different sodas.

I had forgotten these two items and how nice they were to have! One person even gave us some extra, generic thank you notes.

You can get so much food, that it can go to waste. (Depends on size of family, where they all live, etc.) I like the idea of gift cards if you are in a larger area that has fast food, to go places. My parents lived in a small town. It did have a tavern/restaurant that it would have been nice to have gotten a pizza or meal from.

 

[JudithM]

I thought about this thread this week. I spent Monday & Tuesday this week with a friend whose dad passed away. I know they were greatful for all the food sent. I spent time on Monday afternoon getting everything ready for when the family came back to the house between the viewings. We had both hot & cold foods. Someone made a delicious chicken, rice & cheese casserole that was gone quickly. The sausage & peppers did not last long either. There was a platter of lunch meats & cheeses & a huge bag of rolls along with deviled eggs & macaroni salad.

Yesterday after the funeral the ladies from the church prepared the food. There were several different macaroni dishes, deviled eggs, meats & cheeses, a delicious pineapple casserole, a delicious broccoli casserole, etc. The deviled eggs both days didn't last long. Also, yesterday some one brought chicken strips from a local restaurant. We had delicious desserts both days!! Both days though we could have used more ICE!

So don't hesitate to send something when the need arises.

 

[disykat]

chinese pie which is easy and fast for one to make and also to warm up in the microwave or in the oven. I made alot of the meatballs in sauce and brought italian rolls for someone to make meatball subs. American chop suey or meatsauce with any type of pasta...

What is Chinese pie?

 

[DLCharmedOne]

When my grandpa died someone sent over one of those aluminum turkey roasters full of fried chicken. My family is crazy over fried chicken - it was great because most of us will eat it warm or straight out of the fridge cold - I also remember lots of those deli trays too and veggie/fruit trays - I think (and its been said by others too) that whatever you take will be appreciated!