Food for young kids during a death in the family.

[Sandwich_Sister]

My neighbor's wife passed away, Their kids who are in their mid to late 20's and early 30's have kids. ages 5 - 8. I wanted to bring some stuff over for them food wise. They are staying for a week and a half. We brought rice crispy treats over and they loved them. Any other ideas?

[PattiCakes]

Boy do I like that idea of "packaged" snacks. It doesn't have to be pre-packeged from a store, but maybe home made & packaged by you. That way the adults can kind of dole them out in reasonable amounts rather than having it turn into a free for all. Some of the things we keep on hand for our grand kids are:

boxes of raisins
string cheese
Baby Bell cheese
gold fish
home made Chex mix

With the last two, I break them out into the snack sized zip lock bags so I can just hand them a single bag each. Sometimes I use brown paper lunch bags & make a "surprise snack pack" for each of them. A variety of small treats, in a bag with their name on it. There's something about having your very own bag of stuff that kids like.

[Emme]

what a lovely gesture... and how sad...

i'd also suggest thinking about breakfast... muffins, oatmeal casserole, pre-soaked ready to bake strata (to reheat or bake when desired)

[Querencia]

So many food suggestions but I am thinking how hard it will be for kids that age to sit around a house of mourning for a week and a half. Would it be appropriate to take them swimming someplace so they can get some exercise? And a good gift for young children who have been through something upsetting is plain drawing paper and crayons---drawing pictures will help them process what'sbeen happening to them.

[mamachef]

Kids love comfort food and easily identifiable things and things they can dip into other things. Small pot pies, small sandwiches, vegies and dip and fruit kabobs w/ a yogurt/cream cheese dip are all good. Bbq'd or fried chicken legs and macaroni salad would work. You might consider sending over a "breakfast kit": individual cereals and juices, sweet rolls, string cheese, boiled eggs and fruit, microwaveable breakfast sandwiches or burritos, a "lunch bag" of small rolls and rolled deli meats and tuna and egg salad, pretzels, fruit and cookies and juice bags, bagel dogs etc. - sort of "do it yourself" lunchables, and the kids can decide for themselves.

[snix]

I remember being excited as a child when a relative brought over a tray of little sandwiches. They were filled with tuna salad, egg salad, and probably a ham and chz combo...deviled eggs would also be an easy snack for big ones and little ones alike. We recently went through a funeral and the food that was brought over was such a help...it is very thoughtful of you.

[milkyway4679]

When I was younger and at family funerals, the best thing we had was two platters of sandwiches with mayo, mustard, pickles, etc in little tubs on the side. I could help myself as pleased, and there was also chips/dip and potato salad/coleslaw. I've also given gift certificates for local takeout places, so they could order a pizza and wings, or some chinese or something else...I do this because when my one grandfather passed we had soooo much food, but alot of it was the same/very similar. (He was a major pillar in his community.) So we had sandwiches and casseroles and after 2-3 days of the same food, I was dying for something different. We ordered takeout one night, and it was divine :) The food that we were given was delicious of course, but it was wonderful to have some variety. :)

[enbell]

Just to help with other meals, perhaps baked french toast, quiche, or fillings for breakfast burritos, muffins, homemade granola, or monkey bread. Sweet or savory bread pudding, and twice-baked potatoes also came to mind. I'm not sure if you are willing or able, but maybe you could also offer to watch the kids while the parents got away for a few hours if they needed/wanted to. You are very thoughtful!

[goodhealthgourmet]

enbell, breakfast is a wonderful idea! in addition to the things you mentioned, breakfast casserole, baked oatmeal, strata and frittata all travel & reheat well.

[tzurriz]

When my grandfather died, I was 6. There were over a dozen grandkids at that point, and no one was really paying attention to us. A neighbor came over with a disney video and about 15 boxes / bags of peppridge farm cookies (the fancy ones).

I still remember how wonderful that was.

So, my suggestion would be some fancier cookies (not chips ahoy or other "lunch box" cookies, and a dvd for the kids to watch. :)

[Sandwich_Sister]

got it, this is a great idea, and I make some pretty awesome home made cookies and I can get a bag or two of the pepperage farm cookies. thanks for the idea

[rworange]

It is good that tzurriz suffered no ill effects. However, I'd be careful about leaving a basket of candy or unlimited cookies out. That will make some kids sick and the last thing you need is someone having to comfort a sick kid when all the other stuff is going on. I'm thinking acutally of my own kid who just stuffed himself silly with junk and everyone had to suffer dealing with him being ill.

Definately have some sweets, but don't leave them hanging around for a free for all.

Most kids like spaghetti. Maybe send out for pizza one night. Meatloaf is usually popular, or go out for some fast food like hamburgers and they can pick what they want. Sandwiches with white bread are good, pb&j, cold cuts.

Buy those packages of small boxed cereal so they can have their choice in the morning. Get some bananas which are good with cereal or for snacking. Boxes of Juicy juice are nice.

And, ask the parents what the kids like. Who knows? Maybe they are sophisticated in their taste or have some unusual likes.

[tzurriz]

The adults made sure there was one box of cookies out at a time, and divided amongst a dozen kids, it really wasn't that bad. ;) There was no way anybody could get more than their fair share - enough to get sick off of.

It was a Jewish funeral, so there was tons of other food available too, healthy stuff. Fruit baskets, deli trays, bagels, more hard boiled eggs than anyone should ever have to face, etc.

It's just that the cookies and video are what stick out in my memory. They made a horrible experience actually pleasant (for a while).

[goodhealthgourmet]

ooh, speaking of videos, some fun flavored popcorn varieties would be a great snack for the kids.

[othervoice]

I know my kids are real big fruit eaters. A platter of fresh watermelon, grapes, strawberries, cataloupe are always kid friendly choices. I agree it's nice that you have thought of them, the adults have enough just dealing with the grieving process.

[Sandwich_Sister]

fruit is great this time of year and I know they love watermelon and strawberries, thanks for this.

[goodhealthgourmet]

if you want to turn it into a special treat for the kids, dip some of the strawberries in chocolate.

[runwestierun]

Microwavable mini corn dogs.

Those Luncheable kid packs (they have the cheese and meat and cracker ones, pizza too) that come with a little candy and drink.

[Sandwich_Sister]

this is a good idea, when the family is too busy tending to other matters. I'm also looking at fun little candies maybe a basket full.

[goodhealthgourmet]

so sorry to hear that, and what a thoughtful gesture on your part. they may receive desserts & sweets from other people who stop in, as that seems to be the default for many when it comes to condolence calls...so i'd probably go with kid-friendly savory comfort food like mac & cheese.

[Sandwich_Sister]

oh mac and cheese is a great call. in a dish they can reheat as needed. thank you for this.

[foodsnob14]

Blueberry Boy Bait is our go to dessert in the summer. It goes really well with vanilla ice cream or as a snack.

[Sandwich_Sister]

I've never heard of this, where can I get a recipe of sorts?

[Caitlin McGrath]

http://smittenkitchen.com/2009/07/blu...

[c oliver]

Thanks for reminding me of this site. I love it.