I still remember the Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Mary Moretz brought to our home after Mom died. It was so comforting and after she shared the recipe, it became a staple in our household when the kids were young. Broccoli, chicken, cheese, sour cream, and a can of cream of mushroom soup. Lots of fat and salt and deliciousness.
I’ve written about the culture shifts involving sanctified casseroles before, but COVID has changed things even further. Not only do we Emergency Meal Providers need to worry about food preferences, allergies, and special diets, but now there’s the concern that we could be spreading COVID between each other’s kitchens.
So now we send Food Delivery Gift Cards – at least if we live in urban/suburban parts of the world.
It’s kind of perfect in that a family can order from hundreds of restaurants exactly what they feel like eating when they feel like eating it, and there are no dishes to return. Voila. The purpose of providing a meal has been achieved: the family didn’t have to cook while welcoming a new baby/grieving a loss/recovering from surgery/waiting for a family member to be discharged from the hospital.
What we miss in not having a homecooked meal could be important. I’m not sure yet.
It’s indeed so meaningful to know that someone made soup or a chicken and broccoli casserole from scratch. But if the purpose is to show love and concern, a Door Dash card can bring the same kind of relief. If we want to offer that personal touch, we can deliver the gift cards in person to say a quick “hi” and “how are things?”
The world is changing and this includes the neighborly practice of taking casseroles to people in need. There are things to lament about such cultural shifts and there are things to applaud. Both are true.
A Church for Starving Artists 
We talked about this at session last night. I’m hoping casseroles/home cooked meal deliveries are on pause. I miss a good church potluck. And my kids loved it when church people delivered food after my knee surgeries. It’s such an important way to show care. Meal delivery services are also nice, and a good solution for now, but not the same.
LikeLiked by 2 people
We’re still delivering home-cooked meals here, although there’s not a lot of call for them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The deacons are delivering food, usually home cooked meals, to those who have had surgeries. Our pastor will often get a ham dinner at a local place and deliver it to a family who has had a death.
LikeLike