Everyone could benefit from a food circle sometime. Maybe you already have?
It’s a great recipe to help a family member, co-worker or neighbour, the best baby shower gift ever and a kindness for someone going through chemo or dealing with loss.
How do I know?
I’m not great at asking for help. But I did when my son was born. I scheduled family, friends and neighbours to drop off a meal a day. It was amazing.
Food circle benefits:
- Nutritious, healthy meals cooked with love
- No pressure to shop or cook
- No expectations to visit or play host
- A chance to try new things
Here’s how I’ve set up food circles for new-parent friends — there’s no “right” way:
Step one: Ask first! Does s/he want one? Are there dietary restrictions?
Step two: Collect food givers’ email addresses, phone numbers and/or Twitter handles — maybe post a sign-up sheet at your workplace or organize the circle in-person at a baby shower.
Step three: Make a calendar — shareable or one you manage as “food circle co-ordinator.” Check out Meal Train!
Step four: Suggest volunteers prepare dishes that freeze and thaw easily, like chili (vegetarian or meat) or a quiche or frittata made with eggs from happy chickens! I received at least three different vegetarian lasagnas while I was in “newborn baby survival mode”. Washed, chopped and ready-to-eat fresh fruit and veggies were a welcome treat, too. Pack food in reusable containers like pickle jars, yogurt containers, etc.
Someone with freezer space who lives near the recipient can volunteer to be the drop-off depot. Or people can make their own deliveries — just confirm the appropriate day and time for the recipient.
Food circle co-ordinator responsibilities
- Schedule food drop-offs. Does the recipient prefer daily or weekly? (For my new parent friends, I had people drop off big portion meals every few days.)
- Co-ordinate or make meal suggestions so the recipient isn’t eating lasagna for three weeks.
- Thank participants!
- Check in with recipients to make sure they have what they need.
Will you start a food circle for someone in need? Or share your tips if you’ve already done one!
Lindsay Coulter, a fellow Queen of Green
Written by Lindsay Coulter
David Suzuki’s Queen of Green answers your green living questions and offers tips and recipes to make your life easier on the environment. It’s all about green living made easy.
