This takes a little time to put together but the rewards are HUGE! You’ll save a TON of time and money if you put a Meal Exchange Group together. Try it just for a week or two.
Here are the basic rules. Tweak it to fit your own needs and desires.
Be willing to test it out for a week. Get everyone’s feedback after one week so you know how to improve and make it exciting for all those involved.
1. Find up to 7 “families”, including your own, for your group. (This can be couples, singles, or families.) This will give each family enough meals for an entire week!
2. Be the Group Leader OR assign one.
3. Each family leader should meet together in person OR at least email each other to discuss any food allergies, preferences of types of foods, dislikes, etc.
4. Each family leader will submit a favorite recipe to the group that they would like to make for the group. It must be one that can freeze easily and be put into Sandwich Size Bags. Several recipes that would work well are listed in this week’s tips.
5. NOTE: Make sure the group approves the recipes before you begin. Have a few backup recipes in case your first choice doesn’t work. Don’t be offended if you need to make some adjustments.
6. Decide on a set time AND a home you will meet each week.
7. Have a communication system in place. Collect everyone’s email address and/or phone number if you can’t meet at the “assigned home”. Have an alternative home to meet as a back up.
8. Once recipes have been approved, each “family” will make their recipe in BULK - enough for TWO servings (1 cup per serving) for each person in the group (this will provide either 1 large meal/person OR 2 regular meals/person i.e. a lunch and dinner)
9. Once the meal has cooled, FREEZE your meal in several SANDWICH SIZE ZIP LOCK FREEZER BAGS – enough for EACH person in your group. Two servings will go into each sandwich size bag.
