Meal Train. If you had said those words to me 10 years ago, before kids and life in the suburbs, I am pretty sure I would have told you it was a fancy dinner excursion on a train. But now, knee deep in motherhood and minivan ownership, I know a meal train is what you do when your friends need you. A meal for a friend who just had a baby, a meal for a friend who had surgery, a meal for a grieving friend. I have been a part of the meal train numerous times, gladly preparing meals for friends in need.
But what about a food allergy friend in need? When I broke my foot a handful of years ago, a friend suggested setting up a meal train for us. While I loved the idea of having the extra help, the sheer thought of food coming into my house that I had not made was more anxiety producing than having to deal with two toddlers on crutches.
For a food allergy family, the meal train may not be the best way to help. So many chances for unsafe ingredients or cross contact occur when meals are prepared by others, who may not be as well versed in how to manage food allergies and prepare safe meals. So what can you do? Here are a few suggestions for how you can help a food allergy friend in need.
Offer to Cook at Their House
If your friend really needs help with meals, offer to prepare them at her house. That way she can read all ingredient labels and you can use her kitchen gear, which will be safe. You can plan a meal with her to ensure you know safe ingredients to include and verify which brands are safe. Preparing the meal at her house also gives you the added benefit of spending time with your friend while you cook!
Gift Cards
Simply providing a gift card to a grocery store, so she can buy her own safe ingredients, is a great way to help. Many stores now offer online shopping and in-car pick up. Get her the gift card and offer to pick up the groceries. She may still wish to do some of the cooking, but you can help get the food to her.
Another gift card option, see if there are any restaurants that the family eats at regularly because they know they manage food allergies effectively. Some families with food allergies eat out very rarely, so be certain to talk with your friend to ensure you get a card that they will actually use. If you can find a restaurant that works take out can be a beautiful thing!
Non-food Ways to Help
If providing food is just not practical for food allergy reasons, offer your assistance in other ways. Perhaps chipping in to have a cleaning service, offering to watch the children, or take care of pets. You know your friend and you know what she might need- talk to her about the ways you can help outside of food. And, sometimes just spending time with her is the best gift!
We would love to hear what other suggestions you have for helping a food allergy friend in need- post them in the comments below.
Learn more about Tami and her company, Thrive On Consulting, which provides food allergy coaching and training. You can also follow her on Facebook for tips to Thrive On with food allergies.
