FAQs
Glossary:
Meal train: the act of organizing meal giving around significant life events
Organizer: The person who sets up the meal train
Recipient: Those who will receive the meals
Participant/Giver: The person who will make and bring a meal
General Questions:
Why do I need to create an account?
That is an easy one, privacy. By nature of the service, meal trains often contain personal information and we want to ensure that everyone viewing the meal train has a reason to be there.
In addition, having user accounts allows you to book or cancel a meal, receive a reminder email the day before the scheduled delivery, and display all of the meal trains in which they have been invited to participate.
We take privacy very seriously and do not share or sell (and never will) personal information.
Will you share or sell account information?
Nope, Never, No Way.
How much does it cost to use mealTrain.com?
Nothing! Organizing a meal train is completely free for individuals, groups, congregations, and organizations.
"Organizer & Recipient" Questions:
How do I set up a meal train?
Watch the tutorial.
Who can view the meal train?
Only those who have the unique web address can access the information. This unique address acts like a key and only allows those who enter it to participate. Your meal train is not public information.
How do I include those who do not use email or the internet regularly?
Have them call the organizer who can help the meal giver choose a date. Then the organizer can book the date for them and enter in the Notes section whom the meal is actually going to come from.
I would like to set-up a meal train for a friend who is pregnant but in not knowing the actual birthday, I don’t know which dates I should make available. Any ideas?
We suggest that you schedule one date 3-4 weeks after the baby’s due date. This nearly ensures that meals don’t arrive before the baby. Then, when the baby arrives, you can add more dates and send out the invitations.
Should I include those who do not live locally?
Yes! Friends and family who do not live nearby may want to participate. They can be involved by having food delivered to the recipient or just wishing the recipient well.
I just realized I have a conflict and need to cancel a day that someone has already committed to?
Log into your mealTrain.com account and in the "View my meal trains" tab, select the meal train to edit. Use the "Cancel Delivery" button and the giver affected by the change will be notified via email. Then use the "Edit Dates" button to remove that date from the calendar of available dates for meal delivery.
What if I want to add dates or edit meal preferences after the meal train has started?
Log into your mealTrain.com account and in the "My Meal Trains" tab, select the meal train to edit. Use the "Edit Dates" or "Edit Details" buttons to make changes to dates and meal preferences.
Can I use mealTrain.com to organize multiple meals per day?
Sure. The best way is to create a separate meal train for each meal. In the recipient's name field, enter your friend's name and then (in the same box) specify the meal (lunch, dinner, etc). Remember, you will need to invite all participants to both meal trains so they have the unique web address.
What about organizing other activities like rides, grocery shopping, lawn mowing, etc.
Your best option is to post these special requests to the “Message Board” on the meal calendar page. Then, when someone can commit to doing the activity, you can delete the request.
Can I book a meal for someone else?
Sure, your best option is to book the date with your account and enter in the notes section who is providing the meal (include their email address). This will allow the recipient to know who is really bringing the meal. Keep in mind that you will get the reminder email in which case you should call and remind them.
How can I invite others after a meal train has started?
Under "My Meal Trains", click the link for your meal train you would like to view. Then, just above the meal calendar, you can invite participants via mealTrain.com by entering their emails, letting your friends know on Facebook, or copying the URL and pasting that into an email from your personal account (gmail, yahoo, etc.)
How can I edit the invitation list of a meal train?
Only the organizer or recipient can delete emails or users. Log into the meal train that would like to edit and in the lower right hand corner, you will find the list of invited participants. If an email address is incorrect, you can delete it by selecting the (Remove) button.
How can I delete a meal train?
From the My Meal Trains page, click on the red X next to the meal train you would like to delete and follow the instructions.
"Giver" Questions:
Will I get a reminder email?
Yes! mealTrain.com sends a reminder email one day before the scheduled delivery.
Can I change my booked meal date?
Log in to your mealTrain.com account. Once there, simply select the "Cancel Delivery" button next to the meal that you are no longer able to deliver. The meal recipient will receive notification of the change and the calendar will now show your previously booked date as available. Then you can book a different date.
What if I realize at the last minute that I cannot deliver a meal?
Call the meal recipient to let them know you won’t be making the scheduled delivery. Then, return to mealTrain.com and book a different day.
How can I remove my name from a meal train?
On the My Meal Trains page, click the red X to the right of the meal train and follow the instructions.
How can I participate if I do not live near the recipient?
Be creative. You can book a night and then schedule food delivery (just remember to pay for and tip in advance). Receiving a meal from a favorite restaurant is sometimes a welcome change. Another option is to send flowers, a small gift, or even an email to let the recipient know you are thinking of them.
I would like to participate but the dates and times don’t fit my schedule.
Offer to drop off a bundle of essential groceries to save the recipient a trip to the store.
Do you have cooking suggestions?
Any act of generosity will be appreciated. Just try to make something that you would enjoy receiving. Also, meals that can be frozen or heated easily are always appreciated to be used in the future.
I have difficulty finding time to cook but really want to deliver a home cooked meal. Any ideas?
Double a favorite recipe and bring half to the meal recipient. Another option is the next time you make a big meal, freeze half in anticipation of a future meal train.
Still have questions?
Send an email to contact@mealtrain.com