The whole church! Meal Care is a great example of “one-anothering!” Typically, Life Groups and Sunday School classes set up and provide care for their own group members and those who regularly serve in other ministries during the Sunday School hour. This is especially important for volunteers, new members, or irregular attenders who are not yet in a Sunday school class or group.

The Meal Care Ministry at First Baptist is always in need of volunteers who are willing to prepare meals on a moment’s notice for a family in need. Sometimes, there will be gaps to be filled in Meal Trains. Other times, we can use extra Meal Care Coordinators who can work with families on setting up Meal Trains and spreading the word. If you are interested in volunteering with this ministry, head to fbcjax.com/serve and click on “Meal Care Team.”

For most situations, we recommend supplying 3-4 meals per week, over a span of 1-2 weeks. This will cover the family without overwhelming their fridge space. Towards the end of the planned Meal Train, check-in with the family to see if they may be in need of more meals.

We recommend the following amounts:

• For families of 1-2 people – $25-30
• For families of 3-4 people – $35-45
• For families of 5+ people – $50

Yes! We use TakeThemAMeal.com to schedule and track Meal Trains throughout the church.

• How many people? Will in-laws or other family be present and need meals as well?
• What time should the food be delivered?
• What are the family’s food preferences (likes/dislikes/cuisines), dietary restrictions, and allergies?
• What carry out restaurants and gift card locations are preferred?
• What are the names, ages, and interests of children in the home?
• What extra supplies are helpful? (paper towels, napkins, etc.)
• What freezer/refrigerator space is available for meals?

Head to TakeThemAMeal.com and click Create. Follow the instructions to fill out the form:

• For the Meal Recipient First Name, type the meal recipient’s ENTIRE name (first AND last)
• For the Meal Recipient Last Name, type “First Baptist Jacksonville”
• The User Password is one you will distribute to your class to find the family needing care. Please make sure to send this password to your assigned Meal Care Committee deacon.
  • Setting up the Meal Train this way allows us to track it as a church and feature it for others in the church to join.

Fill out the rest of the form to set things up. Be sure to include special drop-off instructions like gate codes or restrictions on ringing the doorbell (sleeping babies!) You can then click “Invite Friends” and share the schedule via Facebook, text message, email, or direct link. You can find more information on setting up a Meal Train using the website at TakeThemAMeal.com/help.

Head to PerfectPotluck.com and follow the instructions. This site is run by the same folks at TakeThemAMeal and functions very similarly.

• Before deciding on a meal to prepare, check with the Meal Care Coordinator or the website for allergies or dietary restrictions. In general, it is good practice to avoid foods people have strong opinions about, such as fish.
• Stick with a dish that’s simple to prepare and that you’ve made before. Choose foods that are easy to serve and require little set-up or extra preparation on the family’s part.
• Focus on fresh and healthy items. If possible, include a sweet for dessert!
• Avoid bringing bulky serveware like glass 9x13s or large platters. These often take up a great deal of refrigerator/kitchen space and must later be returned to the owner. Instead, bring items in disposable containers, especially Oven-to-Table foil pans which make for easy reheating. Other examples include Ziploc bags and mason jars.
• Package each item carefully to avoid spillage on the drive-over.
• Label each container clearly.
• Make larger servings of at least one item that freezes well.
• Write a personal note or card with an encouraging Scripture passage for the family.

• Include serving & reheating instructions.
• Text or call ahead before you drop off to give the family a heads-up.
• For a family who has a newborn, avoid ringing the doorbell. Call or text that you have arrived or knock gently.
• Don’t stay too long. Drop the meal off and be on your way. Consider dropping frozen meals off in a cooler on the porch for those who are ill or immune-compromised.
• If possible, and unless otherwise noted, bring your meal hot and ready for the table.
• Follow up with the family a few weeks later, letting them know you’re continuing to pray for them and are available to serve them.