My church does these meals often and we all take turns. I usually make
a large pot of rice pilaf, a roasted whole chicken, and cooked mixed
fresh veggies, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, etc.

I buy a few disposable aluminum pans, layer the rice and veggies, then
top with the whole cooked chicken, cover with aluminum foil and you're
good to go. Most people like rice and chicken, and they're good for
leftovers too. I usually add a loaf of hearty bread also, and they
don't have to chase you down to return your good pan, just toss the
aluminum.

If it's your turn and you just don't have the time to cook, buy one of
those already hot and roasted chickens in the deli section, make a salad
from the salad bar, and pick up an artisan type bread at the store's
bakery. Easy and inexpensive.

Another idea that worked out great when my mother-in-law was dying from
ovarian cancer and didn't feel like cooking was when I bought a lb of
ham, a lb of turkey and lb of roast beef plus assorted cheeses for
sandwiches. When her teenaged boys were hungry, they could make their
own meals, between school, work and sports.

An assortment of fruit, cheese, yogurts, hummus, pita chips, salsa, etc
also will satisfy hunger when there's no time to think about cooking.
Sometimes you want to nibble a bit and not have to think about eating a
big hot meal.

I try not to get too fancy with these meals, because you never know what
another family will eat, especially if they have kids. Sometimes just a
couple gift certificates to a local pizza or fast food place will do the
trick. If mom is sick, dad can just run to a quicky place and get
something to fill up the kids without trying to get them to gag down
"Aunt Jane's" tuna noodle surprise.

My church also gives gasoline gift cards to help offset the expense of
driving to far away hospitals and clinics.

Denise