What food do you send for condolences?

[Anonymous]

Zabar's
Zingerman's
Others??

[Anonymous]

I never send food. People have all sorts of preferences and dietary restrictions. I send flowers and a heartfelt note, because that's what I'd like to receive in the same situation. I make sure the flowers don't need a vase the recipient needs to provide - usually I get an arrangement stuck in florist foam (not environmentally friendly, but I don't order those often enough that I get too guilty about it).

[Anonymous]

Did the family request food?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Did the family request food?

They didn't request food. Is food not good to send?

[Anonymous]

In Jewish culture, you send food from a kosher deli. Deli sandwiches, knishes, pastries, etc.

[Anonymous]

I prefer to send things that can be easily frozen like baked goods or, say, quiche. That way the grieving family can keep them til they're needed and wanted. After my father died we got so much food and it was really appreciated, but none of us felt like eating that first week or so. That was many years ago - nowadays, too, a gift card of some kind for takeout could be helpful. The last thing I want to do when I'm upset is cook and clean.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I prefer to send things that can be easily frozen like baked goods or, say, quiche. That way the grieving family can keep them til they're needed and wanted. After my father died we got so much food and it was really appreciated, but none of us felt like eating that first week or so. That was many years ago - nowadays, too, a gift card of some kind for takeout could be helpful. The last thing I want to do when I'm upset is cook and clean.

I would hate to receive food, and people will probably send stuff that I don't like. Also, my fridge and freezer are small, because our house is small and there's no way I could freeze a ton of random food.

My point is: please know your audience! If you know they're the type who will appreciate food gifts, and have the space to freeze them, then sure, go right ahead.

[Anonymous]

I send a plant. Not flowers. A plant.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I prefer to send things that can be easily frozen like baked goods or, say, quiche. That way the grieving family can keep them til they're needed and wanted. After my father died we got so much food and it was really appreciated, but none of us felt like eating that first week or so. That was many years ago - nowadays, too, a gift card of some kind for takeout could be helpful. The last thing I want to do when I'm upset is cook and clean.

I would hate to receive food, and people will probably send stuff that I don't like. Also, my fridge and freezer are small, because our house is small and there's no way I could freeze a ton of random food.

My point is: please know your audience! If you know they're the type who will appreciate food gifts, and have the space to freeze them, then sure, go right ahead.

Exactly - who wants bagels, deli sandwiches or quiche sent from 50 families! Overwhelming and wasteful. I'd sent a nice note for now and wait to see if there's a meal train. If you know them well enough, and you really want to send food, let them know ahead of time, "Mrs. B I'll be sending lunch for the family on Wednesday".

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In Jewish culture, you send food from a kosher deli. Deli sandwiches, knishes, pastries, etc.

+1. I always do this. It’s much appreciated

[Anonymous]

I'd send a Grub hub gift card. Or a local restaurant that delivers

[Anonymous]

For local, I make a baked goods. Usually a cake. Then they have it to offer to guests when they stop through, without the need for a full meal.

[Anonymous]

I've sent individually wrapped cookies from a place like Cheryl's. I prefer not to send a meal because a lot of people send food and it ends up going to waste. A GrubHub or Doordash gift card is a good option.

[Anonymous]

Yes, a friend of mine just lost her family member and I’m sending a DoorDash card to her.

[Anonymous]

A ham.