Showing support to your dear ones specially when they are going through a challenging times is essential. We humans are actually dependent on each other, I have heard this one line in childhood and it stuck with me “Humans are social animals who cannot live without each other” and it’s so true. Can you imagine a life without the support or need of anybody? Not possible, right?
Now coming back to the topic of this post i.e. Meal Train Template. If you’ve landed on this page then you must have an idea of what it is and even if you don’t know anything about it then no worries because we got you covered!
Let’s start with a simple definition:
What is a Meal Train Template?
A meal train is a way to help a friend or relative in need by sharing the food. Yes, you heard it right! This is what it is. Using a meal train template, you can organize a series or course of cooked meals delivered to someone in need.
Life is not constant, there are always ups and downs. There may come a time when your friend or a relative is unable to prepare food for themselves for any reason. That reason could be illness, pregnancy, a new born baby, griefing a loss, etc.
Common situations that benefit from a meal train:
- Postpartum recovery
- Surgery or medical treatment
- Grieving a loss
- Elderly care
- Emergency or crisis situations
This page is dedicated to meal train template. Apart from the printable and editable templates, you will get to know what is a meal train, why it’s useful, how to actually plan meals, how to co ordinate with friends or family, and much more.
Let’s start by giving you a Meal Train Delivery Schedule Table:
| Date | Day | Meal Provider | Meal Description | Contact Info | Delivery Time | Confirmed (✓/✗) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 15, 2025 | Wednesday | Emily R. | Chicken Alfredo & Salad | emily@example.com | 6:00 PM | ✓ | Will include dessert |
| May 17, 2025 | Friday | Mark & Linda T. | Vegetable Soup & Bread | marktlinda@xyz.com | 5:30 PM | ✓ | Gluten-free bread |
| May 19, 2025 | Sunday | OPEN | Volunteer needed | ||||
| May 21, 2025 | Tuesday | Rachel L. | Taco Kit (mild) | r.lane@abc.net | 6:15 PM | ✓ | Includes vegetarian option |
| May 23, 2025 | Thursday | John W. | Uber Eats Gift Card | johnW@corp.com | N/A (Digital delivery) | ✓ | Sending $40 gift card |
| May 25, 2025 | Saturday | OPEN | Volunteer needed |
This is how a meal train organizer looks like, let’s discuss the elements:
Date: Mention the date
Day: Mention the day
Meal Provider: Write down the name of a person who is providing meal for a specific day.
Meal Description: Give a brief description of the meal
Contact Info: Write down the email address or phone number
Delivery Time: Write down the expected delivery time and ensure to meet it.
Confirmed Status: Give the confirmation status
Notes: Here you can include any additional details.
Let’s Setup a Meal Train
It takes one person to initiate it and discuss with friends or family and I’m sure there will be many people who will come forward and support.
One Person should take up the charge to coordinate with a group who’s decided to participate in a meal train. Make a list of people who are sharing food with their names and phone number.
Next assign days for each person to drop off meals
Meals should be decided in advance and dietry restrictions should be taken into consideration.
Use a Tool to Organize a Meal Train
Make sure to use a tool otherwise there could be a lot of confusion and chaos. You may use a Google Sheet, a printable template, or an app, etc.
Use a tool as per the convenience of your group.
The purpose of using a tool is to organize everything so everyone knows what their responsibility is.
Discuss Food Allergies and Preferences
Many people does the mistake of avoiding it. Make sure to discuss with your loved one about his or her Food Allergies and Preferences.
Each person who’s sharing food should be aware of Food Allergies and Preferences.
Put the Food Allergies and Preferences in a tool as well, so everyone can see it.
Allergies are common these days. Some people are allergic to diary, peanuts, etc. Have a chat with the recipient and note down his or her food allergies and preferences.
Decide a Drop Off Time
To decide the drop off time, you need to discuss it with the meal train recipient. Ask the recipient, what time of day is best for dropping off meals. As a group, you should decide who will be doing the delivery.
Be Organized and Supportive
The success of a meal train depends a lot on how organized your group is. Things can go here and there when multiple people are working on the same thing. This is why it’s important to have a meal train template in place so everyone is aware of their turn to cook and drop off meals.
Remember you are doing this to support your friend or family in challenging times, so give your best.
Poor Planning Leads to Confusion & Chaos
Poor planning often leads to confusion and chaos, this is why make sure to have a some sort of planner or organizer.
You’re doing Meal Train because you want to help your friend or family in their challenging times, if you’ve decided to do it then commit fully and prepare for each day.
Use a meal train planner or organizer in order to avoid confusion, duplicate deliveries, or missed days. A planner or organizer brings structure and order.
Here are some of the benefits of using an organizer template,
- set delivery schedule
- easy sign up for participants
- dietary restrictions are taken into consideration
- drop off time is discussed
- Contact info for smooth communication
- Notes section for meal ideas or allergies
You may have a very good memory but don’t rely on it entirely, make sure to have a well made meal train planner or organizer so everyone is on the same page.
Conclusion
To conclude, if you are planning to support your friend or family by sharing food in their challenging times then make sure to do it properly by making a well structured meal train to ensure there are no missed deliveries and no delays.
If you are on this page that means you’re considering to help someone, it’s a great thing. Helping dear ones in their challenging times is the best thing you can do for them. You’re doing good work, cheers to you!!