How about soups and stews? Throw in a side salad and/or bread item.

OP, it's chili season! How about chili & corn bread?

I apologize for temporarily going off topic here, but as someone who has been on the receiving end of such a meal calendar, THANK YOU. Whatever you do will be so very appreciated.

I know that for me, simple was the best. I could handle baked potatoes, rice, simple grilled veg that I could eat either hot or cold. I couldn't handle meat, but the couscous a PP described would have been great.

For the rest of the family, they could eat spicy things, casserole things, anything, really. I think chilled salads, maybe rice based, would go well with the grilled meats and salmon burgers you are already planning.

I hope this helps.

PP here with more ideas. Use extra large shopping bags or large gift bags to package the items that don't need refrigeration. If you an put the meal and sides stacked and covered inside a shopping bag or two, it will be easy for you.

I really, really like to know what I'm eating (I have allergies, but also like to know what the dish is) and I'd suggest labeling each meal...jasmine rice with pearl onions and parsley, lemon pepper chicken,etc.

Oh...smaller portions are ok, especially if you make a big dish of Mac and cheese and then portion it out in several smaller containers for the family. Nice to not have to deal with refrigerating a huge dish of leftovers.

When I've done meals like this, I make sure to include a package of paper napkins and heavy duty paper plates for the family.

Also nice to make a basket (use a foil container and line with napkins or tissue paper) of a variety of fresh fruit...apples, bananas, pears and tangerines that they family can have whenever. Saves a trip to the grocery store and is great to have around for snacks.

Make sure that everything you deliver to them is in disposable containers...I was surprised when I helped coordinate meal delivery for a grieving family that so many people sent meals in bakeware, serving platters and dishes. The family then has to wash it all and try to return it.

Just do cous cous or something that heats up easily.

How about a nice couscous with cranberries and pecans or walnuts (assuming they have no nut allergies)? Seasonal, pretty, and can be eaten hot or cold.

For sides, I would stick with basics like plain rice, roasted potatoes, maybe orzo with spinach and goat cheese. For veggies, roasted green beans, or a medley of root veggies like carrots and parsnips might work.

For packaging, I would buy a big box of gallon zip locks. That way your friend can easily freeze leftovers if necessary.

I am signing up on a meal calendar for a very ill friend. I hope to manage it weekly for the foreseeable future. I am looking for some great tips on packaging, keeping things fresh and nice looking, since I will have to make things ahead of time and deliver early in the day, rather than at dinner time. My first thoughts are cooking up grilled meats and salmon burgers. I am good at both (and both are on their list of things they like). But I need help with the sides ... they would work with some nice salads. Any other ideas? Twice baked potatoes? Any nice vegetable dishes that would be okay made ahead of time? Suggestions please? She has a husband and two boys (5 and 7 'ish?) - I think the kids are good eaters.

Also, we have had some major expenses over the last while, so any good budget suggestions would be welcome when it comes to packaging especially. I also have three young children myself, so easy/quick dish ideas suggestions also welcome.

Thanks so much for any help!