Food and Funerals

Steve McCowen • January 3, 2024

Why is food such a fundamental part of any funeral?


Food provides comfort and strength. A gift of food shows that we care. It’s natural to connect food with the healing process of a funeral.


When should you give food? What’s helpful without being overwhelming? How do you accept food graciously without having to buy a second refrigerator?  


If you’re helping a friend who is dealing with the death of a loved one, a gift of food is appropriate before the funeral, at the conclusion of the funeral, and even weeks or months after the funeral. 


As you think about your gift, be aware that your friend may not even know they’re hungry. They likely won’t be able to tell you what they want or need.


Take the initiative and make it easy on them. Call with a simple offer that can be changed to meet the needs of those on the receiving end. You might say something like this:


“I’d like to bring your family dinner tomorrow evening. I thought I’d bring you a turkey roast with a broccoli casserole. Will that work for you? I’ll bring dinner by around 10:30 a.m. It’ll be all ready for you to warm in the oven or microwave.” 


When you’re on the receiving end, be gracious, but honest.


Your friends want to help you. If their offer won’t be helpful, give them an opportunity to make a different suggestion.


“Thank you for your offer, but we’re all set for the next few days. May I have a rain check?”


If you’re part of a close circle of friends, consider coordinating with others in your group to cover the family’s food needs on different days and with a variety of dishes.


Consider breakfast food. A basket with granola, muffins, or a breakfast casserole may be a nice change.  


Sheet pan dinners, where the entire meal is cooked on one pan in the oven, are easy for both parties. You can find lots of recipes online.


If you don’t cook, consider giving a gift card for a local restaurant that offers take out. 


Whatever you do, don’t forget your friend after the funeral is over. Most people find sitting alone at the dinner table one of the bigger challenges of their bereavement.


A loaf of your famous zucchini bread will be greatly appreciated and it’ll be even better if you can share it together over a cup of tea.



www.amsfuneralhomes.com

Since the early 1920s, Avink McCowen Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society has had the honor of supporting families through loss. They are proud to serve families throughout Plainwell, Vicksburg, Portage, Schoolcraft, and surrounding communities such as Kalamazoo, Pavilion, Flowerfield, Otsego, Alamo, and more. Their caring and professional funeral directors assist families in the planning of funeral services, burial services, memorial services, and cremation services. To learn more, visit amsfuneralhomes.com.

Do I Really Need To Attend the Funeral?

By Steve McCowen • June 21, 2024
When people organize a funeral gathering and ask friends and family to come to them to share in their loss and sorrow, to help them. Please go, hold a hand, give a hug, share a memory, offer your condolences, and smile at the video. Let them cry in a safe place.

How To Dress for a Funeral

By Steve McCowen • June 10, 2024
First, understand that what you wear to the funeral is much less important than actually going to the funeral or gathering. Don’t underestimate the value of your presence.

What To Look for When You Are Buying Final Expense Insurance

By Steve McCowen • June 10, 2024
It’s always worth the extra time to be sure you are getting the best final expense coverage you can afford. The one that will really be there for your family when it’s needed.

Moving After a Spouse Dies?

By Steve McCowen • June 10, 2024
One of the realities of losing a spouse or a parent is the impact that event has on living arrangements. Are we living in the “right” place?

How to Thank a Veteran

By Steve McCowen • June 10, 2024
Three hundred and sixty five days a year, twenty-four hours a day, rain or shine, hot or cold, from the year 1776 to present day, they’re serving our country. They are our veterans and November 11th is the official day that we honor and thank them each year.

Too Little Too Late  - A Memorial Gone Wrong

By Steve McCowen • June 10, 2024
Jane knew some people had a fear of planning a service. They don’t know how to or what to plan. They are at a loss. They should have they called the local funeral home for help.

Preplanning Your Funeral in Your 60’s

By Steve McCowen • June 10, 2024
According to a National Funeral Directors Association survey, more than half (62.5%) of us expect to participate in making our own funeral arrangements. And yet, less than a quarter of us have actually acted on that impulse. Not really so surprising since making funeral arrangements can literally be the very last thing we do. We can put it off right up to the end!

Grief Is Individual

By Steve McCowen • June 10, 2024
Let’s talk about the stages of grief. There is denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. I studied them in nursing school, reviewed them when I got divorced and generally found them to be a pretty accurate and helpful bit of knowledge. And then, a family member died. Stages?

How Should I Prepare for My Funeral Preplanning Meeting?

By Steve McCowen • June 10, 2024
First,  relax. Talking about your funeral plans might make you a little uncomfortable at first but making a plan doesn’t mean you will be using it anytime soon. Your funeral director or advance planner will guide you through the process. Most people get very comfortable in just a few minutes.

It's Not Really a Funeral Plan If It's Not at the Funeral Home

By Steve McCowen • June 10, 2024
Call the funeral home, make an appointment and get everything written down and on file at the funeral home. It’s easy and there is not charge for the appointment.
More Posts
Share by: