Food that doesn't need refridgerated

[MichaelsMom17]

I need ideas for food that can sit out for a few hours at a time. My sister is in the hospital and will be there for a long time. My family has been spending all day at the hospital for the past 3 days and will be doing this until she gets better.

We have been spending a lot of money on vending machine and cafeteria food. Also we have just been eating a lot of junk food. No one has been eating as much as they really should either. So, I was thinking if I could bring some homemade food that could sit out in the waiting room with us we could all eat a little better. I don't understand why the waiting room doesn't have a fridge since a lot of families spend their whole day there for months.

The only things I can think of are crackers, apples, carrots, celery and peanut butter, bread with peanut butter, and granola bars. Those aren't things that the men would be too happy about or things anyone would want to eat everyday.

TIA for the suggestions!

[mommamiaria]

I think it would help if you got a small portable cooler that you could bring into the hospital. Also, I think the stores sell insulated bags for keeping food longer too. You could get a larger cooler and keep it in your car while you are there and then go down to the car when you need something. That will hold a lot more food longer and you can keep in packed with ice etc. I pray that your sister gets better soon.

[rkoloms]

I have a huge list of bagged lunches; send me a message offlist if you would like a copy. You should definitete pick up an insulated bag and freezer packs; a large thermos for soup/stew/chili and other "comfort foods" would probably be welcome, too.

My thoughts are with you and your family...

[SammyPetals]

Those are all wonderful ideas!  I would also like to add that alot of times families need to take time for themselves.  I really liked the car cooler idea as you guys can have family picnics.  Most hosipitals have tables in the area.  It would be nice to get outside and out of the stuffiness of the hospital. 

[stepmominhell]

The insulated bag idea is great because it keeps foods hot and cold...  The larger cooler in the car idea is also a good one...  Like the pp mentioned, it would give a much needed fresh air break to family members to step outside long enough to grab a bite.

I pray for your sister's recovery and your family to make it through the trying times ahead.  God speed...

[darcyh5]

If you are going to bring a cooler, why not bring sandwich fixings, a couple packs of lunch meat, a few blocks of cheese and some deli salads, the hospital cafeteria prob has packets of mayo.  Ketchup mustard dont need to be refrigerated, neither do bread, chips, crackers.  You can also use a small under the bed storage container, fill it with ice, put the lid on upside down and put chillable items on it-I have done this many times for parties.  Maybe if you checked with admin, they may even let you have a crock pot-we did, I guess its really no worse than bringing in pizza or smelly Chinese food ( I love Chinese, but if your not eating it, it doesnt smell the best).  Something like sloppy joes. 

I know when my dad was in ICU, families brought us in pans of lasagna, chili, ham at meal times.