Grief and Comfort Food

Grief and comfort food often go hand in hand. A hearty meal or a sweet treat can be comforting when you are struggling with grief. We know eating healthy, whole and real foods are the best recipe for long term health and healing. However, enjoying some comfort food every so often can be just what the doctor ordered. Believe it or not, healthy foods can also be soothing to the soul. 

It is common to tell someone to “call if you need anything” when they are grieving. In reality most people never end up calling. Why? It is hard to ask for help and people often feel they don’t want to be a burden. Or they may not have the emotional energy to seek out help. An easy solution is to offer to bring a meal to their home. 

Food is a love language during time of grief

Eating with and cooking for others is a love language. What better way to show your love and empathy for a grieving friend than to bring them a nice meal or treat. 

Cooking food can feel like a heavy burden when you are in a period of grief. Having a nice meal prepped and delivered to your door can relieve that burden. 

A few things to think about when bringing food to comfort grief

Find out their food preferences. It is important to be aware of any food allergies or structured diet needs. If they are vegetarians, showing up with a giant pot roast won’t be the blessing you were hoping for. 

Make sure the food can be stored and even frozen in case they have others bringing food as well. Some easy options are lasagna or enchiladas. Even a nice pot of soup is a great comfort food for grief.

Don’t like to cook?

If you are insecure about your cooking ability but still want to help out don’t worry there are many options for you. Fresh bagels with cream cheese and a carton of juice is a simple breakfast. A bagged salad will do the trick alongside a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken you can find at most grocery stores. Or simply call up their favorite pizza place and have them deliver. 

Even as simple as asking what they need from the store or doing everyday tasks can be helpful. Cutting a big bowl of fruit or bringing a gallon of milk and a block of cheese can be a blessing. 

Easy is key

The name of the game is to make things easier while they use their energy to grieve. Bring paper plates, and utensils so everything is ready to go. Write out any instructions for warming up and any other information they may need.  Using a disposable tin pan is a nice way to not have to worry about returning it or washing dishes. 

When someone is hurting we often want to help them “feel better.” Some of us know that feeling better is not always the goal. Feeling grief is normal and healthy. When we love someone their absence is heart wrenching and there is something about the depths of our grief that remind us how deep that love is. Grief and comfort food go hand in hand. A nice hearty meal from a loving supporter can be one piece of the healing puzzle.