After an individual loses a loved one and plans services at one of the local funeral homes in Longview, TX, they may experience a wide variety of emotions and need extra support. If you want to offer additional help, a meal train is just one option for being of service, and we have comprised the ways to get started in this article, so keep reading for more information.

Getting the Right Information

Everyone’s experience will be different, and some may need help around the home, or others can find it more beneficial to have meals provided to decrease their stress levels. If you choose to make a meal train, there are a few essential questions to ask them to start getting organized.

• Are there any food allergies or intolerances that the volunteer needs to be aware of?
• Do they have any food preferences like vegetarian or vegan requirements?
• What kind of kitchen appliances do they have in their home for reheating food items?
• How would they like to be notified when the meal will be delivered to their home?
• Do they have any favorite local restaurants or places they like to eat that could be provided?

Once you have this information, you can start organizing the meal train through email, a professional website, or social media platforms. Having specific details and needs that the household has can better prepare the helpers so they can choose meals and times that work for them.

Recipe Ideas and Tips

When creating the meal train, a few things to consider is to make sure you prepare any meals in containers that do not have to be returned because this will help decrease the amount of stress that the household will have. In addition, it is recommended to include beverages and dessert in any meals that are provided. It can also be a nice touch to add a note or special treat for the household to help them feel more support and care.

A few popular meal ideas are:

• Pan baked meats with vegetables
• Baked pasta like spaghetti or lasagna with garlic bread
• Crockpot style meals like soup or chili
• Breakfast platter with oatmeal, fresh fruit, or bagels and cream cheese
• Deli tray with meats, cheeses, rolls, and condiments

And if the household has children in it, you might consider getting the meals specifically for them like finger foods or an option to create a pizza.

Professional Services for All Our Clients

The meal train can provide exceptional support that will allow the family to be more focused on their healing and promote a sense of comfort. These are small details that can make a difference in laying a loved one to rest, and if you are looking for funeral homes in Longview, TX, we are here to help. We are locally owned and have been providing our community with exceptional services since 1993 so if you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, give us a call today to get started.