Meals for Moms Event Guide 

Step 1

Find a family to help.

1. For college students: You may already know a pregnant or parenting student on campus. If you know someone on your campus (like a student or a teacher), ask them if they would like this support. You can also contact a local organization (such as a pregnancy resource center or a church) and inquire about families that you can assist. Explain your program and how you wish to help. They may be able to connect you with an expectant mom or family. Don't be afraid to actively advertise on your campus. You can post flyers or social media statuses promoting your effort. You may use phrases such as:
   • Pregnant? Parenting? Let us help you. Call _______, and we will make meals for you and your family!
   • Pregnant? Parenting? We want to make it a bit easier. Contact ______ for FREE meals.”
   • Do you know a mom on campus? Nominate them for our NEW program – Meals for Moms. Contact _______ for more information. All community members welcome: Teachers, staff, classmates, etc.

2. For high school students: Talk to your group advisor to see if this is a viable project for your group. To find moms to help, you may want to consider:

   • Asking your school community if any of the students’ parents are expecting or just had a baby. You can also ask teachers and staff!
   • Contacting local churches, moms groups, or pregnancy resource centers to ask if they would be interested in your group sponsoring some moms in their communities.

Step 2

Collect meal needs. 

1. Contact them to ask if you may provide a meal for their family. Ask about a good day for your group to bring the meal(s). Be sure to ask what time is best to drop off the food. You may choose to offer several meals during and/or after the last few weeks of pregnancy, or you can start with one meal.
2. Ask about any dietary issues (such as allergies or specific diets). If the family has a favorite dish, ask for their recipe or make your own.

Step 3

Prepare the meals.

1. Create a sign-up sheet and gather individuals who are willing to:
   1. Go grocery shopping;
   2. Prepare the meals before and after the baby’s birth;
   3. Deliver the meals to the family.
2. Prepare the meal at one of your members’ apartments or in a student kitchen on campus. If these facilities are unavailable, you may be able to ask the school to access the cafeteria kitchen, a local church, or ask your advisor (or a friendly, local professor) if they could offer their kitchen. You can provide one meal or multiple, depending on what the family needs. Keep in mind that some recipes can be doubled for multiple meals!
3. Meals don’t have to be a culinary masterpiece. Cook what you know or find a simple recipe. Here are some easy recipe ideas to start with that any college student can handle. Talk to your members about the different meals that they know how to make. Together, you can come up with a good selection of meal options for your moms and families.

Step 4

Deliver the meals.

1. Meals may be delivered hot or in containers to store in the refrigerator until the family needs that meal. Ask the mom what she prefers. You can find cheap tins at your grocery store or a Wal-Mart.
2. Before delivering your meal, call ahead to remind the family that you are coming. Tell them the approximate time of arrival and who will be stopping by. Provide a contact phone number in case they need to reach the delivery team.
3. Deliver the meals to the family, along with other essential items like silverware, plates, napkins, drinks, and cups. You may want to step up your game with a small gift or baby items for the mom(s)!
4. Follow up with the family throughout the weeks and ask if any essential items are needed.