Bringing Dinner to Another Family

Updated on November 30, 2011
M.L. asks from Spokane, WA
17 answers

I was asked to bring dinner tomorrow evening to a small family in my church who is going through a rough time. I don't really know who they are or what they are going through, (I'm in the children's program so haven't met many of the older families yet), but I did speak to her over the phone today and they don't have any food allergies/food aversions or anything. I myself am not feeling well due to pregnancy issues, and I do not have a car during the day to pick up groceries to make a meal, and my husband is working late tonight, so I can't shop tonight either.

Would it be weird if I picked up food on the way to their home? A nice bagged salad, a rotisserie, some rolls, potato salad? I will bake brownies for dessert, but just wondering what the general consensus is here on a store bought meal. Any other ideas? Should I bring a bottle of salad dressing too or what am I forgetting here?

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So What Happened?

Thanks ladies, my mind is at ease now. I'm not going to get too stressed over making a big dinner, or finding dishes/tupperware that I don't mind isn't returned. We have been helped out before, so it's time to return the favor :)

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L.C.

answers from Dover on

That's perfectly acceptable. It's a meal they don't have to worry about preparing or providing. It's very thoughtful.

3 moms found this helpful
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J.K.

answers from Kansas City on

Well, you could always bring a pizza and soda!! I know from all my years taking food to people, a few people, that I knew very well, confided to me that "boy we are tired of meat and salad!!" so I asked if they would like a pizza and they jumped at that. Just a thought.

2 moms found this helpful

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K.P.

answers from Seattle on

No not strange at all, I think it sounds quite lovely. Then it's less work for you which is nice too. I dont think you need to bring anything else, and I am sure that they have salad dressing too.

So nice of you to help out others even though you arent feeling good. Kudos to you Momma! Feel better!

3 moms found this helpful
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B..

answers from Dallas on

No way, sounds wonderful :) I think it would be good to being a bottle of salad dressing.

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H.S.

answers from Cincinnati on

Certainly! Don't stress or go out of your way to cook. I think they would be pleased with a fresh meal regardless if you cooked the whole day or picked it up. Simplicity is best. You have no idea if they'd want ranch, french, italian dressing. I would skip the salad all together. With the brownies they'll be good and full after a meal.

How thoughtful of you to accept the request to take them dinner.

3 moms found this helpful

J.✰.

answers from San Antonio on

Sounds GREAT!
Yes - get a bottle of salad dressing, or a few different ones if you can (one ranch packet, one italian packet, etc). Rotisserie sounds like a wonderful idea, as are the rolls. Not everyone likes potato salad, but maybe give it a go anyways. Or mashed potatoes or green beans or mac n cheese. Most all kids will eat mac n cheese! Brownies - I'd make sure they don't have nuts.

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D.

answers from Houston on

I feel certain that they will appreciate whatever you decide to take for them. Sounds good to me.

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E.B.

answers from Beaumont on

I think dinner is dinner. I would be THRILLED at the gesture. I'd skip the dressing, they'll have something of their own to put on it. Very nice of you to do this.

1 mom found this helpful

M.D.

answers from Washington DC on

You know, they may appreciate a meal out. If you can afford it, get a restraurant to go for them. Home cooked meals are great, but sometimes just getting food out is good too.

I think your plan sounds brilliant though. It saves you from doing too much when you don't feel well, but provides them a wholesome meal :).

1 mom found this helpful

K.M.

answers from Chicago on

I would not be offended ... honestly, the kids might not mind a Pizza, wonder how long it's been since they have had a really good one, like from one of the YUMMY Pizza Parlors.

1 mom found this helpful
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S.Y.

answers from Chicago on

Sounds like a great idea to me. I would be appreciative. Very sweet of you to do this.

1 mom found this helpful
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☆.A.

answers from Pittsburgh on

A rotisserie chicken, salad, rolls and brownies sounds fine. And add a veggie. You can always mix oil, vinegar, oregano, basil, garlic for a small tupperware of dressing. They probably have something for the salad.....

I just did a care page dinner sign up for my sick friend and some meals have been: baked ziti, chicken/rice/veggie, pork chops/stuffing/veggie, spaghetti/meatballs/bread.....

1 mom found this helpful
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N.W.

answers from Eugene on

That sounds really nice. I'd be happy if someone brought me that meal. Especially the brownies!

1 mom found this helpful

D.H.

answers from New York on

Sounds delish! Go for it.

1 mom found this helpful
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S.S.

answers from Chicago on

Any meal is appreciated. I have done meals many times. sometimes I make them sometimes I pick up pizza and salad or taco's and rice and beans, or chicken and potatoes. they always appreciate that someone took the time to do it for them.

1 mom found this helpful
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K.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

A store bought meal will be just as appreciated as a home-cooked one. I am in charge of coordinating meals for people in my MOMS Club when they have new babies. Most people do cook, but several pick food up as well. Everything is always appreciated and the new moms (or, in your case, the struggling family) are just so happy to have a hot, tasty, free meal that they don't care if it's homemade or store bought. You're doing a great thing and that's what matters!

1 mom found this helpful
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E.A.

answers from Atlanta on

I personally don't think there's anything inappropriate with what you're suggesting. It's a complete meal that they don't really have to do anything with except enjoy it. I would go ahead and bring some dressing, though, just in case. I'm sure they'll appreciate it. And it sounds like the meal would be fine leftover, too, in case they had extras.

1 mom found this helpful
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