Grief Groceries: A practical way to help those in need - Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. (2024)

What do you do when someone you know is grieving, but their meal train is full?

Dinner casseroles, sympathy cards, and flowers are common forms of support for those grieving the loss of a loved one. While these gestures are undoubtedly appreciated, there is another option that sometimes goes overlooked, but can have a significant impact: Grief Groceries

What are grief groceries?

Grief groceries are care packages filled with essential food items and household supplies given to individuals or families experiencing difficult times due to loss. Grief groceries are sometimes as simple as an Instacart delivery or can be more personalized and hand-delivered.

Think about breakfast and lunch items, tea and coffee, or essential personal items like soap, lotion or even a pack of tissues. A delivery of groceries can be especially helpful when you don’t know who might be on a special diet, or if the family is turning casseroles away because their freezer is full.

Groceries make things easier during a tough time

When someone is grieving, it can be incredibly difficult to complete even the most basic tasks, such as grocery shopping. Grief can leave individuals feeling emotionally and physically drained, making it almost impossible to take care of daily needs. By providing grief groceries, friends and family can help alleviate some of the burden and stress.

But here’s the thing, when we provide groceries, we’re not just giving essential items to those who are grieving. We’re actually helping them save money and time, so they can focus on processing their grief instead of worrying about practical stuff. It’s really about making things a little easier for them during a tough time.

Sending a delivery of groceries in Virginia

Grocery delivery is now available in most major regions from almost any major grocery food chain, as well as delivery companies like DoorDash and Instacart. In most cases, you use a computer or phone app to shop the items and then have them delivered. And if nothing else, you can simply pick them up and drop them off yourself.

Here is a list of major Virginia stores that deliver in regions like Lynchburg, Roanoke, Bedford, and Madison Heights:

Shopping for grief groceries: what should you buy?

Choosing items for a grief grocery package should be done with thoughtfulness and care. Here are some tips to guide you:

Consider Shelf-Stable Items: Non-perishable items like canned goods, pasta, and rice can be stored for a longer time. This helps the recipient use the items according to their convenience without worrying about spoilage.
Include Basic Staples: Don’t forget about basic staples like bread, milk, fresh fruits, and vegetables. These items are usually consumed daily and replenishing them can be a huge help. Also consider including eggs, cheese, and other protein sources for balanced nutrition.
Think of Comfort Foods: Comfort food can bring a sense of solace during difficult times. Items like chocolate, crackers, and soup can be comforting.
Don’t Forget Breakfast Items: Breakfast can often be overlooked. Include items such as cereal, oatmeal, and coffee.
Include Snacks and Quick Meals: Grieving individuals may not have the energy to prepare full meals. Ready-to-eat meals and snacks can be a great help.
Personal Care Products: Grieving is not just about food. Items like tissues, bath products, and other personal care items can also be beneficial.
Remember Dietary Restrictions: If you’re aware of any dietary restrictions or preferences like gluten-free, vegetarian, or lactose-free, try to accommodate these.
Kids, Babies, and Pet Items: If there are children in the home, consider adding popular kids’ foods like chicken nuggets, hot dogs, snacks, fruits, juice boxes, crustables or lunchables. Babies need diapers, wipes, baby food, formula, and other special items that you could include when needed. And of course, if there are cats or dogs in the house, consider adding some pet food or cat litter.
Gift Cards Can Be Useful Too: If you’re unsure about what to buy, a gift card to a local grocery or convenience store can also be a helpful addition. Many times, families need gas cards more than groceries.

Remember, the goal is to provide practical help and show that you care.

Sample Grief Groceries Shopping List

Here is a list of grocery items that you could include for almost any family:

Produce: Apples, bananas, potatoes, mixed salad, juice, pre-cut fruits and veggies
Meat & Deli: ground beef, chicken, deli meat and cheese, bacon, hot dogs
Dairy: Milk, eggs, creamer, shredded cheese, yogurt, sour cream, cream cheese
Kids’ / Baby Items: chicken nuggets, juice boxes, crackers, gummies, lunchables, crustables, baby food, formula, diapers, baby wipes
Frozen: Vegetables, fries, ice cream, pizza, microwavable meals, premade breakfast sandwiches
Pantry: Peanut butter, jelly, bread, bagels, hot dog buns, pasta, pasta sauce, taco kit, macaroni and cheese, coffee, tea, cereal, oatmeal, pancake mix and syrup
Snacks: Box of chips, water bottles, lemonade, mixed nuts, beef jerky, crackers, cookies
Household: Paper Towels, Foil, Ziploc bags, hand soap, dishwashing liquid, toilet paper
Personal Care: Shampoo/conditioner, body wash, toothpaste/toothbrushes, deodorant, lotion, chapstick
Pet Items: Food, etc

Remember that this is just a guideline – feel free to personalize and add items based on the recipient’s needs.

Personalizing & Hand Delivering Grief Groceries

Personalizing the grocery package and hand-delivering it can really make a difference to someone who is grieving. You could add handwritten notes or cards with individual messages, as well as items that are special to the recipient, even homemade cookies or bread, or crafts. Delivering groceries in person also shows support and care, which can bring comfort during difficult times.

When packaging the groceries, you might put it all together in a beautiful basket with a few flowers, or simply put it them in paper bags. It is completely up to you.

Grief is a Personal Journey

Grief is a personal journey and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. But by providing grief groceries, we can help ease some of the practical burdens and show that we care for grieving people. Small acts of kindness can make a big difference in someone’s life, especially during tough times like these. So let’s continue to spread love, support, and positivity whenever we can.

If you know someone who needs some additional grief support, take a look at these ongoing grief support groups.