What do you cook for someone who is grieving?

Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1 lb pork sausage
4 minced garlic cloves
1 chopped yellow onion
1 chopped red bell pepper
1 chopped orange bell pepper
1 can tomato soup
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can beef broth

Spices:
1 T chili powder
1 T smoked paprika
1 T cayenne epper
1 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. ground coriander
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1 T dried oregano

1 can drained kidney beans
1 can chili beans
salt & pepper to taste

[ZekeEats]

We had just lost our 12 year old niece in a car wreck. When it came to eating, nothing sounded good, nor did we even care to eat. But I do remember someone had brought the family some kind of layered casserole. I don't know what it was, I don't even remember what was in it, all I can remember was that it was delicious and comforting. Never found out who had dropped it off. The whole town came together to support our family so there was a lot of people in and out and around at that time. We are still very grateful for all they did.

[yama_motok]

When someone is grieving, I tend to bake something for them. A simple dessert to cheer them up when it’s hard. Sending my best wishes and prayers.

[MeganMarieFields]

My grandmother entered hospice 3 days before Thanksgiving 2023. I dealt by making an absolutely massive Thanksgiving meal that was far, far too much food for us, but I knew that my grandmother wanted to leave, and that when she did, the last thing anyone would want to worry about was cooking. It ended up being such a blessing. While I was cooking, my family kept telling me I was making too much food and it was unnecessary. My grandmother ended up passing fewer than 72 hours after Thanksgiving, and we had enough leftovers to last us through almost all of the funeral preparations. Everyone ended up acknowledging how helpful it was to be able to just pull some leftovers out of the fridge and warm them up. It definitely was very helpful in the beginning stages of processing my grief.

[maymorning]

My mom’s cousin made us a huge pot of pasta e fagioli after we lost my grandma. Same concept as chili - comforting, gets better as it sits in the fridge, easy to reheat when you’re winding down somebody’s affairs and the last thing on your mind is food. That was almost 20 years ago and I still remember how thoughtful it was.

[Valkyrie.]

I survived my mother and stepdad passing within minutes of one another through loved ones making lots of soups and casseroles. Easy to eat comforting foods. Carbs. Nothing too fibrous and hard to chew. Just… easy food.

[StormySeas]

When my grandma died, I ate pizza a lot. Cooking was the last thing I wanted to do. When she first got sick, I stopped eating for 3 days and my husband forced me to eat something. I appreciate him so much.

[spacecowgirl]

My grandmother is showing signs of dementia, and to come to terms with this, I made mashed potatoes from scratch just like she taught me. It brought back memories of cooking with her. I know I don't have long with her, but I will always have our memories through cooking the food we cooked and enjoyed together.

[sherleystansford]

That art piece looks soo cute, RIP Jaden.

[jessiealexander]

My great uncle died just earlier today somewhat suddenly, only aged 66. I called my grandpa to see how he was doing and he seemed fine at first but then his voice started shaking. I felt horrible that I couldn’t talk longer and even worse that I couldn’t be there to just hug him. As for helping my mom, we went to dinner at one of her favorite restaurants and played Pokemon Go with her while we just talked about anything but my great uncle. It helped her to get her mind off of it for a couple hours, but I wanna be there for her soon

[smoke_]

Any kind of warm soup and bread always helps.

[Dunkelappfel]

Mexican meatbal stew. Had to do this, sadly, a few times already. My girlfiends dad passed a few years ago and my girlfriend and everyone in her household were just wrecked. I cooked this for about three weeks straight which was a lot of work but that was the only dish they could stomach. It's a nutritious and hefty stew but you're right, it's the care you put into it that makes it palatable for people grieving.

[coffeecolouredmilks]

I appreciate how almost everyone's comfort food is some kind of soup/stew. My husband just lost his last living grandparent, so I made some caldo de siete mares, which is a tomato broth seafood soup. Very tasty and feels like we're back home 🫂💗 prayers to everyone who is grieving

[michellelleigh]

American chop suey is like a big warm hug when I’m going through something

[virginiasmith]

I make lasagna and manicotti. It freezes well, and both reheat nicely. I also make it for people a couple of weeks after most people do. I use it as an excuse to check on them after the initial shock of the loss is felt.

[elphabafang]

My best friend was visiting me a couple years ago, and while visiting his cat suddenly passed. His comfort food is Mac and cheese with extra cheese and bacon. I made him a simple box after making sure he had fluids in him first and that he could keep it down. After making sure he had something just, IN his system, I got to making an entire batch of homemade Mac and cheese.
Grieving often makes us shut ourselves down and away. And it becomes increasingly difficult to reach out some days when we need help the most. Even when you think you don't do enough to help, something no matter how small helps.

[johnnyp]

When I lost a close family member, people brought my family soup. They reminded us it’s important to still eat and nurture ourselves in these hard times.

[alexismarie]

When I’m in a severe depression or grieving, I go for sensations more than I go for any real food. Something hot, spicy, crunchy, or carbonated. Something that directs me towards a physical sense when I’m so heavy internally <3

[competentegg]

I remember when dad was in hospital fighting cancer, a few of mum’s good friends all came together and made bulk portions of different meals - making enough for our family and everyone involved. It turned into a weekly tradition and they called themselves the Yummy Mummy Kitchen - mum soon joined in as it gave her a break from being in the hospital. The comfort of home cooked meals, hours bonding with her good friends and the community they built was a lifeline for us when dad fought and ultimately lost his battle with cancer. To this day they’re still a tight knit friend group ❤

[luna]

I just lost my aunt a few days ago. Food really does become the furthest thing from your mind. So when someone cooks something delicious, and makes it with love and care, it truly means the world. Nothing is more comforting.

[serenityserena]

When I have grieving I like making hearty stews and soups or a casserole. Sending positive towards your friend