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Why Your Next Meal Schedule Needs This... SEPTEMBER 17, 2024 / KELLI NAPOTNIK / 
During the last few months, there may be one or more people in your life who have welcomed a child, lost a loved one, or faced another difficulty. To help, you signed up to take them a meal. When scrolling through the available dates, you noticed meals others signed up to bring, but you weren't sure what you wanted to take yet. Because the day you chose was a few days away, you typed in TBD, or if you're like me, something yummy. Life got busy and going back to update the schedule was the last thing on your mind.
Because this is something I have done, I'm sharing why entering what you plan to bring (even after the fact) is helpful.
The Meal Recipient Benefits
The most important reason for listing what you plan to bring is so the recipient knows what to expect. I remember being a new mom and anticipating all of the different meals friends brought to us. It was a chance to try new dishes and savor comforting, familiar ones. I loved being able to tell my husband what to expect when he was getting home from work because I had checked the schedule to see what meal was coming that evening. If someone asked me if I was craving anything, I could be more specific. Entering what meal you plan to bring is a thoughtful first step to the kindness you are already showing the recipient.
The Schedule Has Variety
Another thoughtful reason to enter your meal is it allows other participants to see what you are bringing. No one wants to spend time making their favorite lasagna for a friend only to find out they had lasagna yesterday. Conversely, typing in TBD may result in others signing up the same way which increases the risk of repeat meals. So enter what you plan to bring when at all possible!
Your Decision is Made and You Have a Plan
Entering your meal allows you to plan more effectively. When I've decided on an idea, I know exactly what ingredients to buy at the store. This saves me time and I don't have to worry about what to take at the last minute. I can budget my time better and am more likely to have time to add a little extra something special to my meal like flowers, a card, or beautifully wrap a loaf of bread (like Nadia shares here).
No matter what, meal recipients are grateful for meals, but consider how entering what you plan to bring may make the process easier on you both. Have you been inspired to bring a certain meal after seeing what others were bringing? We'd love to hear!
 #1: You can never go wrong with including cookies with a meal! Nadia recently made these Oatmeal Bear Cookies and the recipient loved them!
Don't have Instagram? Click here for the recipe!
#2: This Vegan Chili is hearty and cozy and takes only 10 minutes of prep! It goes right into your slow cooker and is perfect for meal prepping. It results in a thick, delicious chili that is filling and a perfect dish to take to someone!
Don't have Instagram? Click here for the recipe!
#3: If you plan to support a friend or family member who is starting chemo and want to create a chemo care package for them, we've shared a list of items you can include in your care package.
#4: Have you heard of the Blind Date with a Book idea? If you're taking a meal to someone who loves reading, this would be a fun addition!
#5: If you're looking for great gluten-free meal options, check the dishes we're pinning on our Pinterest page!
Read other recent articles by Kelli Napotnik:
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Welcome! We're thrilled you stopped by. Our own joys and sorrows have taught us that a well-timed meal delivered by a friend is one of the best gifts imaginable. In this space, we share our favorite recipes to take to friends, meal-taking tips, and other ways to care for those who are dear to you. Helpful Posts
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