Of course we should have food at funerals … like my dad’s

It was exactly 11 months ago that I got behind the mic at New Jersey 101.5 after spending the day making arrangements for my father's funeral. It was one of the most emotional shows I've ever done in my life.

The topic that night was "should there be food served at funerals?" I thought so then, and my mind hasn't changed in the last year.

For many, food is comforting, and funerals are where you need the ultimate comfort. Grieving friends and family members are brought together one last time to see each other and honor the deceased by sharing memories. Food and drink should definitely be a part of that!

Not everyone has the chance or time to go to a repast, and some people who wouldn't normally hang could spend time eating or drinking together.

The only reason for the prohibition of food at funeral homes is that it was rooted in the public-health belief that food and human remains don’t belong under the same roof. Yet, when I talked about this on air, we had former funeral home staff members calling in to say that the whole staff would eat in the building. If they can enjoy food, why can't we?

The food could even be in a separate room, it doesn't have to be near a body.

As far as I'm concerned, there should definitely be food at funeral homes! Hopefully by the next time I have to attend one, I'll have the chance to honor the dead with a toast!