‘meal Train’ delivers food for families Published April 10, 2013 By Staff Sgt. Stephenie Wade 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Spouses of the 375th Civil Engineer Squadron deliver meals to families in need at Scott with the use of a website called "meal Train." The meal Train site was created in 2009 to organize free meals for people who have experienced, or who are experiencing, significant life events. Kara Morgan, CES meal Train coordinator, said, "When one of the key spouses hears of a family in need, they ask if the family would like a few meals provided to help them through their time. When the key spouse finds out if the family would like meals, their information gets passed onto me, and I set up a schedule for them." Often the families are recovering from surgeries or adjusting to new babies. Morgan said one of the most helpful things people can do is provide meals so the family doesn't have to think about food but instead can focus on each other. "Spouses will sign up via email to cook a meal for a family in our squadron. Usually five meals are provided, and the meals come every other day. We take into account food allergies and requests," she said. The squadron started participating in the meal Train program in January, 2011 and in the past year the spouses have provided meals to more than 20 families. "I think that it's important to support each other with this program because it builds unity and team work in the squadron," she said. "When people provide service, they feel like they are involved, and those who receive the service feel included and like they aren't alone during this time of need. Lots of the Airmen in the squadron don't have family nearby, and the squadron becomes family." Morgan and her three children have also been on the receiving end of the meal Train when her husband deployed last year. "I was grateful for the service the squadron provided as I was caring for everyone in my home by myself and not able to do much after having a baby," she said. "It was nice to not have to think about meals for a few days." Once individuals have an account, they can create a meal Train for a specific person. The site eliminates confusion related to meal giving because it allows givers to sign up to deliver meals on a specific day, specify meal preferences and the kind of meal delivered in the past. Providing each giver this information helps simplify the process so they can focus on supporting others with meals. "Also when my kids help me make and deliver meals they learn how to serve others and how to think of someone other than themselves," she said. "I think it is important for them to learn how they can contribute in a community and this is one way in which they can." For more information on "meal Train" visit www.mealtrain.com.