What is a meal train?

Life can be hectic when big events happen–whether it’s welcoming a new baby, recovering from surgery, or mourning a loss. During these times, preparing healthy meals can be overwhelming. That’s where a meal train comes in to lend a helping hand.

But what is a meal train?

Simply put, a meal train is when a group of friends, family members, or colleagues organizes meal deliveries for someone going through a major life event. It’s a thoughtful way to ensure the recipient doesn’t have to worry about grocery shopping or cooking, freeing them up to focus on healing, resting, or taking care of loved ones.

Why Meal Trains Matter

Meal trains prevent the “casserole overload" dilemma. Instead of receiving the same dish over and over, meal trains coordinate who brings what–and when–so there’s variety and attention to dietary needs. By sharing the responsibility of cooking or ordering meals, everyone involved can show their support and lighten the load for the person in need.

How Does a Meal Train Work?

1. Organization

   Using a shared calendar, people take turns providing meals for the person in need. A meal train usually focuses on dinner, but you can also arrange for breakfast, lunch, or snack deliveries. Good organization is crucial; you’ll want to avoid repeating meals too often and respect any dietary restrictions.

2. Communication

   Clear communication with everyone involved helps ensure balanced and delicious meals without unwanted duplicates. Reach out to the recipient to confirm any allergies, food preferences, or scheduling limitations. Remind supporters of their sign-ups and notify the necessary parties of any changes.

3. Flexibility

   Remember that you can incorporate store-bought food, meal delivery, and gift cards. If someone can’t cook, they can still pick a day to contribute a favorite meal delivery or restaurant gift card. The key is to make things as easy and helpful as possible.

Setting Up a Meal Train on Give InKind

One of the simplest ways to create an online meal train is by using Give InKind.

Here’s a quick guide:

1. Create a Free InKind Page

   Start by setting up an InKind Page for the recipient. This serves as a central hub for all support activities, not just meals.

2. Use the Care Calendar

   Add the dates and times you’d like to schedule meal deliveries. You can include multiple meal requests per day–breakfast, lunch, dinner, groceries, or even household help. In addition to meals, the Care Calendar empowers communities to share the load of all kinds of support. Branch out and improve your meal train by incorporating childcare, pet care, rides, visits, and more, all through the Care Calendar.

3. Note Dietary Preferences

   In the Special Notes section of your InKind Page, detail any allergies or dietary needs. This ensures contributors know what to bring or avoid.

4. Share the Page

   Spread the link via email, text, or social media. Friends and family can sign up for specific dates and times that suit them best.

5. Stay Updated

   Page Organizers are notified when supporters sign up to help, so you’ll be prompted to visit the page and see if all meal slots are filled, respond to messages, and post updates. This helps keep everyone in the loop and addresses any last-minute changes.

6. (Recipients) Manage your InKind Wallet

   When your meal train is supported with gift cards, Recipients can manage all of the gifts within their InKind Wallet. Wallet gifts are flexible and allow the user to pool, swap, and connect gifts in the ways that work best for them, whenever they’re ready to use them.

Send specially requested gift cards.

Tips for Coordinating a Meal Train

Divide Responsibilities

If possible, share the organizer role with someone else. You can work together to invite supporters, manage adding and editing calendar requests, and keeping your community engaged.

Preview the Calendar

Encourage participants to look at what’s already scheduled before choosing a day to bring a meal. This helps avoid too many repeats–no one wants pasta three nights in a row!

Use Disposable Containers

Remind contributors to package meals in containers that don’t need to be returned. It saves the recipient from having to track and return dishes.

Label All Food

If reheating or baking is required, make sure instructions are clearly written on the container. Include dates, too, so the recipient knows which meals to enjoy first.

Provide Complete Meals

If a dish pairs well with salad, bread, or specific toppings, try to include them in the delivery. This small touch goes a long way.

Set Drop-Off Expectations

Depending on the family’s situation, it might be best to leave meals outside the door. This is particularly helpful if they’re recovering or prefer minimal contact.

Gift Cards Are Great

Not a cook? No problem! A meal delivery gift card still provides crucial support.

Mind the Timing

For new parents or someone recovering from surgery, try to deliver meals during waking hours. A quiet drop-off can be a huge relief.

Offer Other Assistance

Beyond food, use the calendar to coordinate childcare, pet care, or housework. Sometimes a load of laundry or a ride to the doctor’s office is just as valuable.

Meal Trains Made Easy

Whether it’s a newborn, a medical procedure, or a loss in the family, coordinating a meal train helps ensure nutritious meals land on the doorstep of someone who needs them most. With Give InKind, creating a meal train is quick and straightforward.

Set up your free InKind Page in just five minutes and watch as friends and family rally around to provide hot meals, groceries, gift cards, and more. It’s a powerful way to show you care and ensure no one faces life’s challenges on an empty stomach.

Ready to Get Started?

Create your InKind Page today and discover how simple it is to set up a meal train that makes a meaningful difference. By taking care of life’s essentials, you’re giving loved ones the time, space, and nourishment they need–just when they need it most.