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You are here: Home / All Archives / Freezer Meal 201: Activities and Freezer Fun!

Freezer Meal 201: Activities and Freezer Fun!

All Archives, Freezer Meals, Organization    ·    February 12, 2015

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Learn how to host a freezer meal activity and more tips!

Once every four months or so, I host a freezer meal activity where we make meals for the ladies in our congregation who have fallen on hard times, have long term health issues, have just had a baby, etc.  Meals are a huge way to serve (everyone needs to eat, right!??!) and freezer meals are a great way to provide storeable food that can be used at their discretion.

I’ve done freezer meal activities in a variety of ways, but this is the tried and true method I feel works best.  It’s great for a larger or smaller group (I never know how many people will attend until they actually show up) and doesn’t take a ton of time to execute.

Learn how to host a freezer meal activity and more tips! from Vermillion Rules for Thirty Handmade Days

Cost: I spend around $65-$75 for 14-15 meals.  This includes everything: the pepper, salt, each spice, etc.  It would be a lot less expensive if you were doing this at home with your husband/family because many of the ingredients you most likely already have on hand and don’t have to buy specifically for making freezer meals.

Time: Plan 1-2 hours, depending on how many people attend and how much time you spend chatting.  If you are just doing this at home in the evening with your husband, plan on 2-3 hours for about 14 meals.

Learn how to host a freezer meal activity and more tips! from Vermillion Rules for www.thirtyhandmadedays.com

Set up:  I have trays that I use for art activities at home that are perfect for setting up meal ingredients. I purchased my trays here. I arrange everything, along with the recipe so that it’s easy to find and easy to put together.  I already have the bags labeled and on the trays as well.  When people begin to arrive, I grab out the meat and put it next to each station so that it hasn’t just been sitting out.  If there is more than one meal that needs a particular ingredient, I divide it up in sandwich bags (spices) or small tupperware (ex. olive oil) and add that to the tray as well.

freezermeal3

Storing meals: All of the meals I use can be stored flat in Ziplock bags.  I double bag all of them to prevent freezer burn.  On the outside of the outside bag (got that??), I tape the label for that meal.  It includes the name of the meal and instructions once it is pulled out of the freezer.  (Example: Thaw in refrigerator overnight.  Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes).  This way when I give it to someone who will be having a baby soon, etc, she knows what to do with it.

Be sure to squish/suck as much air out of the bags as possible before sealing. This also helps prevent freezer burn and makes them more flat for storing. One trick I use is to seal the bag almost all the way, insert a straw into the opening, and literally suck all of the air out. I swear it works as well as one of those pricey vacuum sealers.

Learn how to host a freezer meal activity and more tips! from Vermillion Rules for Thirty Handmade Days

For more tips and great freezer meals, check out the post, Freezer Meal 101!

Freezer Meal 101 Tips & Tricks for Making Meals AheadOTHER FREEZER MEAL FUN:

  • Freezer Meal Exchange Group: I’ve also participated in a freezer meal exchange group, which was AMAZING.   Doing a freezer meal exchange is nice because everyone doesn’t have to meet together for a long period of time.  Just find a group of 5-6 friends that wants to join in, make two freezer meals for each person in your group (example: if there are 5 women in the group, you make 5 Cheddar Chicken meals and 5 Lasagna rollup meals ), and meet to exchange them.   You will end up taking home a variety of meals and stock up your freezer!
    • Great tips for setting up a group from Simplify. Live, Love.
    • Thriving Home calls her a Freezer Club.  Sounds like a yummy club to belong to!  Read about her club here.
  • Fill the Freezer Baby Shower: Planning a baby shower but the mom-to-be already has everything she needs?  Invite everyone to either come and prepare meals for her while they chat or bring a meal to add to her freezer.   Here’s a fabulous link from Once a Month Meals to help you plan your shower, complete with a printable shower invitation! 
  • Freezer Pleaser Fundraiser:  Fundraising for your school, church, or adoption?  Stock a freezer full of meals and auction it off!  Fun and unique way to raise money! More details from Julie Gumm here.
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Comments

  1. Avatar for BethanyMelissa says

    February 13, 2015 at 3:13 pm

    Mique, this is such a great idea! I love the freezer meal exchange party! I think I am going to have to organize one of those….

  2. Avatar for BethanyHavok says

    February 12, 2015 at 8:54 am

    Giving freezer meals for a baby shower is a brilliant idea! I’m sure that would be more well received than a bunch of more blankets and onesies that will be grown out of quick!

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  1. Learn how to host a freezer meal activity and more tips! Great way to have quick dinners on hand! - FoodFoni says:
    March 3, 2015 at 3:05 pm

    […] the recipe here – Via: […]

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Mique

(Like Mickey!) I started 30days several years ago as my idea file. After 9 years and thousands of ideas, I realize I’ll never be able to check them all off my list.

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