Popular Meal Ideas and Helpful Considerations for Organizing a Meal Train
St. Charles Memorial Gardens understands how important meal trains can be, so we have listed some tips to get started and popular meal ideas to consider here.

Saint Charles, MO cemeteries, offer individuals going through a loss a beautiful and comforting space to lay their loved ones to rest, and in some cases, they may need more support before and after the services. If you know someone who has recently lost a loved one, you may be considering creating a meal train to help reduce some of their stress so let's take a look at how to get started and what to include.
Organizing the Event
Before you start jumping in and preparing meals, there are a few things that need to be accomplished, and one of the first steps is asking some vital questions, including:
- What kind of appliances does the household have for heating food
- If there are any food preferences for meals or restaurants
- Allergies or food intolerances
- How would they like to be notified about the meal being delivered
Once this is completed, you can create the planner via e-mail, with a specialized platform, or in a group chat. You will need to have space to write details and information, so it is recommended to use a spreadsheet to ensure accuracy and allow the volunteers to sign up for specific days and times. Cremation is seen as an excellent option, and for some, it's favored over other traditional options because it can be a simpler choice than a traditional burial.
Popular Meal Ideas
There are thousands of recipes to choose from, and some individuals may choose restaurant delivery instead. If the family has no specific requests, here are some popular meal ideas.
Sheet Pan Options
If you are looking to create an easy and nourishing meal, consider roasting meets with veggies. This is an excellent choice because it can be reheated easily and be sure to utilize containers and pans that don't need to be returned.
Casseroles
Casseroles are part of a time-honored tradition, and there are thousands of different ways to make them. When combined with a fresh salad and some dinner rolls, ham and veggies to traditional tuna can make a hearty and well-received meal.
Baked Pasta
Most individuals love pasta in any capacity, and it can feel like a cozy and special dish to have for a meal. Lasagna, manicotti, and baked spaghetti are easy to throw together and can be a welcome option for those suffering from a loss.
Comfort Foods
When it comes to comfort foods, mashed potatoes and gravy, macaroni and cheese, and pizza are all at the top of the list for many people. This is especially true if children are in the household, so consider getting some kid-friendly food items in your planning.
Our Team is Here to Provide Professional and Compassionate Support
Food has been a source of comfort for as long as humans have connected through transitions in life. Providing support for individuals transitioning in their lives is crucial, and when you need expert care, our team is here to help. The consumer can then choose to save the arrangements, forward them to friends or family members or send them to a funeral home of their choice to begin a conversation with a funeral director about how to proceed.
Our Saint Charles, MO, cemeteries are designed to create a sense of peace and beauty when it's time to lay a loved one to rest, and we work hard to offer compassionate and caring services for our clients. We understand the pain of loss and provide a wide variety of options to choose from, so contact us today for more information.