What to Know About Sympathy Meals
It is traditional to offer sympathy meals to people who have lost a loved one. This is because most people who are grieving usually do not have the energy or desire to cook meals. Some may even lose their appetite altogether or they will end up eating only fast food as they deal with the stress of funerary arrangements. To ensure that your loved ones eat nutritious food and stay healthy, offering a sympathy meal is a great idea. Here is what Voorheesville, NY funeral homes recommend you know about the process.
Simple is best with sympathy meals. No one who is grieving wants to have to serve or eat an elaborate meal, no matter how delicious it may be. Most of the time, the simplest of foods are the ones that can offer the most comfort, like soup or stews, and they can be exactly what the grieving family needs.
It is always important to know if there are any dietary restrictions or allergies in the family. If in doubt, be sure to place a little notecard with the food with the ingredients listed so that people can read it before they eat. It takes you no time at all and it can prevent health risks. Taking into consideration food preferences is also thoughtful. Ask members of the family what they love to eat, especially if there are children. By preparing something that the entire family will enjoy, you will be offering them a true gift.
Transport the meals in disposable containers. You want to reduce the amount of work the family has to do, so you do not want them to have to worry about washing or returning containers or dishes. There are many excellent containers you can choose from, including recyclable ones if that is something that concerns you.
The kind of meal that you want to provide is one that needs just to be heated. Everything needs to be cooked and ready, so that they can place it in the microwave or oven without much fuss. They should also be easy to serve and should not require any special equipment. The key is to choose a meal that is comforting, that can offer the nutrition they need, and that is easy to heat up and serve.
Sympathy meals are a very thoughtful way of showing that you are keeping the grieving family in your thoughts. You should reach out to them to let them know that you are preparing some food, giving them the opportunity to tell you about food allergies or restrictions, as well as preferences. Many funeral homes in Voorheesville, NY have suggestions and examples of what a good sympathy meal consists of, so do not be afraid to reach out to one to learn more. A company like McVeigh Funeral Home, Inc. will always be ready to help. You can stop by their location at 208 N Allen St Albany, NY 12206 or speak with the director by calling (518) 489-0188 now.
