Meals Ministry is center to our core values at CFA (serving others, doing life together).

Mission statement:  Share with God’s people who are in need; practice hospitality.  (Romans 12:13) 

What is the Meals Ministry?
The Meals Ministry serves families or individuals within our church by providing ready-to-eat meals.  Designed to help ease daily burdens, this ministry is carried out by a network of volunteers within cfa who serve one another by meeting the practical need of food preparation.

Who is eligible for meals?
Any family or individual experiencing one of the following events: birth of a child, death of a family member, emergencies, hospitalizations, serious injuries or long-term care.

How does the Meals Ministry find out about people who need help?
Never assume the Meals Ministry is aware of a family that needs help with meals.  It is always a good idea to contact the  church office. We encourage individuals to contact the ministry regarding their own family whenever the need arises.  It is our goal to serve everyone in the cfa family, from the dedicated church member, to the occasional Sunday morning worship attendee. 

How long will a family receive meals?
The typiical delivery schedule lasts from one to two weeks, on an every-other-day basis.  However, the length of time may vary depending upon individual circumstances. 

What if a family has dietary needs or unique requirements?
The Meals Ministry is designed to meet the needs of individual families.  Before the meals are scheduled and delivered, receipients will be given the opportunity to provide a list of allergies as well as food dislikes.  Family size as well as delivery times and places are also taken into account.

How do I provide meals?
It is not necessary to be a culinary genius to join the ranks of volunteer cooks! It just takes a desire to serve one another in love.  Simply sign-up with the Meals Ministry.  Our meals ministry communicates through the www.takethemameal.com website 

How often will I serve?
It is completely up to you.  As a need arises, the Meals Ministry coordinator will contact volunteers with information reqarding a family in need. Whenever you are able to deliver a meal, during the specific period of time, simply respond to the request of volunteers.  It is not necessary to respond if you cannot accommodate the request. 

Do I have to make homemade meals?
Not necessarily.  There may be times when you may not be able to provide a homemade meal due to your own personal circumstances.  Please don't let that keep you from joining the Meals Ministry.  A bucket of chicken, Chinese take out or a prepared restaurant meal is fine. 

Are there any meal tips or ideas?
Here are a few suggestions that can both help you and the recipient enjoy the experience:

1 - Use disposable containers whenever possible.

2 - Call ahead, preferably the day before, to discuss a drop-off time and location.

3 - Deliver frozen or freezable meals when it is impossible/impracticable to deliver hot meals.

4 - Invite the family to share a meal in your home.

5 - Treat the family to delivery from a restaurant or take them out-to-eat (if they're up to it).

Do you want to join the Meals Ministry team or have additional questions?  Send an e-mail to mlp4p@virginia.edu