On the occasions of birth, sickness or simple need, our community has gotten into a wonderful habit of setting up a Foodtree for those in need.
The idea is simple, when you have a newborn, sickness or injury, nourishing yourself properly takes valuable time and effort better focused on other things. Too often, a proper meal takes the backseat to a yelping baby in our case as we try to make something as fast as possible before the little one erupts again.
Not to mention, when people know you are in need, they want to help and directing their energy toward a nutritious meal is very rewarding for all parties.
Here’s how to do it:
1. Your friend has a baby..they need help!
2. Call you friend and get a list of their personal email addresses of those who would consider preparing a meal.
3. Good things to include in a food tree email to prospective cookers:
a. Find out your friend’s dietary restrictions and how many days of the week they would want food.
b. Please note, many mama’s prefer to steer clear of spicy hot foods during nursing. O
c. Our past two food trees have been 3 days per week lasting for a total of two months.
d. Remind the food givers that the friends in need may or may NOT want you to stay long for a visit…just tell them to be sensitive.
4. Set up a Google Calendar where you can post a list of everyone who is bringing food and when they are doing so.
5. Send out the email! In the email, remind people to mark their dishes (tupperware or other) with their name if they want them returned.
6. Write yourself a reminder to alert those who have signed up to deliver food a week in advance that this is their week.
7. Watch the food tree go! People will put an amazing amount of love and care into the prepared meals. Watch how sweet notes and flowers accompany gourmet fare here and there. Watch how your food recipients are relieved and happy to be receiving such a critical need in their daily life…a fresh, warm meal.
In honor of our new born Solei, our food tree has been outstanding this month. Three days a week of gourmet meals. Sweet potatoes, amazing soups, tantalizing desserts, stir fry’s…you name it, we’ve had it. My wife and I joke that these food trees are one of the main reasons we enjoy having kids 
!
Either way…food trees for a friend in need are an amazing gift to organize or participate in.
Happy cooking!
