WWYD-- food from neighbors? POLL

KYmama9286

So this board is BORING and I read something on the SAHM board that really got me thinking. A mom on there has a new neighbor who she hasnt gotten a chance to meet yet but she knows she just had a baby (1 week prior) she was going to bring over a semi-prepared meal and wanted to know what people thought. 90% of the responders said eww that they would throw away the food and that they throw away any food given to them unless they know the person really well and even then sometimes they throw it away too.

Is this just a regional thing because if someone brought me food it would never cross my mind to throw it away just because it as homemade or I didn't make it. Obviously if it looks "bad" or smells funky thats another story or if your family has dietary restrictions thats another thing too but in general...I dunno? Maybe my standards are too low or I am too trusting? It made me paranoid that people throw away food I make them-- a neighbor up the street had a baby last fall, we had never met but I would see her walking and she would always wave and I had talked to her once while on a walk with DS. I could see her getting more and more pregnant and then one day there was a "Its a Boy!" sign in her driveway so I brought over a homemade lasagna, a bag of salad and some bread. Do you think she threw it away? lol I just thought it was a nice way to break the ice since we both have little boys that are less than 6 months apart and we are about the same age (on a street with a LOT of older couples).

 

[Poll]

kmn3

I said Heck Yeah, BUT if I didn't know the neighbor and they looked really shady, I wouldn't eat it lol.  I don't think I'd have to worry about shady neighbors bringing something over though!

JenRose05

When I had Ben, Neighbors we hadn't met yet brought over a whole meal for us, lasagna, bread, salad, drinks, and dessert. I was so grateful! I know you can't judge a book by its cover but if the person seemed sketchy, then yes I might question it but otherwise, I'd accept it graciously

teacherjess

So strange. Those first few weeks after having a baby are so hectic, I could barely prepare breakfast. I probably would have eaten anything that was left on my porch, haha. I would say that unless the neighbor was super sketchy or seemed to dislike me, I would definitely eat the meal...

KYmama9286

I totally agree-- I'm glad to know that my neighbor probably did not just toss my lasagna haha Some of the women on the national boards are nuts! Some of them were saying they wouldnt even accept food from a carryout place if it was delivered by the neighbor since someone could "tamper" with it...Seriously?! I guess their mother's never told them not to look a gift horse in the mouth....and yes, I did just quote that haha

Whitney DD

My neighbor brought me food when I had Silvie and I was so happy. Its a great gesture and wonderful to not have to cook but have homemade food. I agree though, if the neighbor was shady or (I hate to have a sexist moment) but a man that wasn't gay, I would hesitate....

gandcnky

It never occurred to me to throw it away either.  Of course if someone seemed shady, I would evaluate it then, but otherwise, I think it's such a nice gesture.  When A was in the hospital we had so many people cook meals for us, and I appreciated it so much.  I'd feel bad just tossing something someone had spent time on.

Christine.Louie

I do think it's a regional thing b/c when I had posted on the Nat'l WC board asking how much I should charge if I were to sell baked goods at a garage sale I got a similar reaction (that most ppl would not eat food made by a stranger).

I'm not sure how I'd personally react to this...probably would depend on the person.  I know when certain people bring homemade treats to work I won't touch them.  (That said, thankfully whenever I bring stuff in they're all gone in a hurry!).  My hope is that I'd be able to pre-plan and stock my freezer in advance of giving birth so I have my own homemade goodies to eat.  But, if my close friends and family wanted to help out, I'm sure I'd welcome it .

Our neighborhood HOA has a newsletter that goes out and I remember a couple ladies were pregnant and someone started a "food registry" page for them.  Basically the expectant families posted food preferences, dietary restrictions, etc. and then anyone could sign up for a date to bring them a meal!  I forget the website...unfortunately.  Maybe I'll look harder later...

annapolis13

 I think the website you are referring to might be "Food Tidings."  It's a great website and we use it all the time in my mom's group.  Our meal delivery is called "Storks with Forks"

 

Christine.Louie:

 

I do think it's a regional thing b/c when I had posted on the Nat'l WC board asking how much I should charge if I were to sell baked goods at a garage sale I got a similar reaction (that most ppl would not eat food made by a stranger).

I'm not sure how I'd personally react to this...probably would depend on the person.  I know when certain people bring homemade treats to work I won't touch them.  (That said, thankfully whenever I bring stuff in they're all gone in a hurry!).  My hope is that I'd be able to pre-plan and stock my freezer in advance of giving birth so I have my own homemade goodies to eat.  But, if my close friends and family wanted to help out, I'm sure I'd welcome it .

Our neighborhood HOA has a newsletter that goes out and I remember a couple ladies were pregnant and someone started a "food registry" page for them.  Basically the expectant families posted food preferences, dietary restrictions, etc. and then anyone could sign up for a date to bring them a meal!  I forget the website...unfortunately.  Maybe I'll look harder later...