… make a casserole.

That might sound frivolous, especially in light of the magnitude of many of the challenges and problems that are taking place across the country, but the simple act of caring for someone with a virtual hug and a hot meal can make a real difference.

If cooking isn’t your thing, or if you live hundreds of miles away, or if you really cannot spare even one more minute no matter how your heart goes out to someone facing a crisis, consider the following options:

• Make arrangements for a local contact to pick up a meal that you have pre-ordered and paid for from a restaurant the family likes.
• Mail gift cards (for a local grocery store, fast food restaurant, or coffee shop) directly to the person or family going through a difficult time. Be sure to include a handwritten note.
• Ask mutual friends living in the area to bake a special dessert and leave it on the front porch with a note. Don’t forget to cover the cost of the ingredients and the baker’s time in the kitchen.
• Ship a box filled with canned soup, a box of crackers and a package of cookies along with a cheerful card – and maybe a pretty bowl or a silly spoon.
• Purchase a subscription for a meal delivery service – or for fresh fruit, tea, desserts, coffees, etc. When someone is facing a long recovery and/or dealing with financial challenges due to an illness or catastrophe, this can be of real help.

If, however, you are handy with a whisk and potato ricer, you might prefer to cook up a favorite recipe or two that folks can use right away or freeze for a later meal.  Below are links to some of our favorite comfort foods:

https://sweden.se/culture-traditions/classic-swedish-food-meatballs/

http://sweetteareads.blogspot.com/2013/09/summer-vegetable-pizza.html

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/204133/old-fashioned-potato-kugel/

http://sweetteareads.blogspot.com/2015/10/zucchini-frittata.html

https://www.thespruce.com/easy-spinach-balls-appetizer-3050704

http://sweetteareads.blogspot.com/2016/03/tuna-casserole.html

http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/irishbeefstew_73826

http://sweetteareads.blogspot.com/2012/05/creamy-slow-cooker-macaroni-cheese.html

Please add your own recipes, links, and suggestions for foods that can be easily shared with anyone who is struggling – near or far.