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What Funeral Food is Most Appreciated MAY 14, 2024 / ADINA BAILEY / 
When a grieving family has come together for a funeral and is staying in one location, having ready-to-eat food on hand is extremely helpful. If you want to be a good friend, neighbor, or acquaintance, figure out a helpful way to care for the family with food during the days around the funeral.
After a family funeral, I asked my in-laws what food gestures were most meaningful to them. Mostly, I was curious for myself because I wanted to know how to help my own friends and neighbors when they are faced with a similar situation. My mother-in-law typically enjoys preparing food for her visiting family, but when the departed loved one was her father, she was grateful for the food that came in during those days.
My family mentioned a few meaningful ways that friends and neighbors helped with food during the week of the funeral:
1. Bring the family food that is easy to store and serve
Having food on hand that you can easily grab from the fridge is a huge help. One neighbor stopped by with brownies and fruit. Another brought strawberry bread. Personally, I have a favorite muffin recipe (Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins) that I like to take to my friends during these times.
2. Make sure the family has a meal for the evening after the funeral
My in-laws' neighbor, Rosemary, asked what day everyone would be attending the funeral and she made certain there was a meal at the house that the family could enjoy that evening. Because she was a close neighbor, she had a key and the meal was waiting on the counter for our family. Spiral sliced ham, rolls, cold salads, and the works were available when dinner time arrived.
3. Offer to drop off a breakfast casserole
Having food for the morning is a huge help as well. Not everyone is sleeping well away from home and the hosts have had other things on their minds. A breakfast casserole is ideal because it can be easily warmed and served throughout the morning. This is one of our favorite casseroles from our site - Gluten Free Breakfast Bake
4. Bring comfort food
Certainly you know the family you are serving better than I do, so you should do what suits them best, but as a general rule, people who are grieving like foods that are easy to digest and go down smoothly. One such recipe that has been popular for generations is actually called "Funeral Potatoes". My in-laws were particularly thankful for a pan of macaroni and cheese that someone brought over as well as some chicken noodle soup. These also tend to be foods that feed a larger group well and are appreciated by children.
5. Drop off paper plates, napkins, cups, and utensils
If there ever was a time to take advantage of the convenience of disposable items, this is the time. These items allow the family to spend time together without the hassle of cleaning up the dishes after every meal. This is a great option if you want to be helpful, but you don't want to cook. Consider dropping a bag of these items on the porch with a note of sympathy.
6. Do something
No matter the circumstances, death is a heartbreaking time for a family. Even when the loved one has lived a full life, the loss is painful. In some meaningful way, let the family know that you're thinking of them. A note, a text, a kind word when you see them outside or other offers to help are extremely appreciated.
If you live out of town, a gift card to a local restaurant or a delicious meal delivered from our store is a thoughtful way to express your sympathy.
  #1: There is something so special about making a meal for someone in need! Check out this meal Nadia recently took!
Don't have Instagram? Click here for the recipe!
#2: Check out this teacher appreciation gift idea. It's so cute; you only need to print and attach the label.
Don't have Instagram? Click here for the free printable.
#3: if you know a college student headed into finals week, consider making a care package for them! Check out the one Nadia made for her brother.
#4: Take your banana bread to a whole new level by adding fun toppings! Check out these mini loaves!
#5: Pasta is a tried and true meal to take. Here are some classic favorites and all new dishes to try.
Read other recent articles by Adina Bailey:
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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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