Since the downturn of the economy, the recipes that I post are only a dream to some in our communities. Do the math. Most of us spend 20-15% of our annual income on food. People at poverty level spend 5-10% less than that. What do you not buy if you have to spend less? What do you take out of your shopping cart first?
Do you know of someone who has less than they should? Do you think they would be embarrassed if you gave them food? If the answer is yes, then do you think they would also be embarrassed if you disguised the gift as an invitation to eat with you? Probably not. There are many ways to give to people without putting them in a position of feeling like they are charity cases. You can leave food on their doorstep when they are away from home. You can leave it with a neighbor and swear them to secrecy. If it is something you want to do then you can find a way. And I challenge you to find a way to make it happen.
Or you can co a more broad route and just donate monthly to a food bank. Note: I did say monthly - the needy get hungry every day, not just at Thanksgiving and Christmas. I challenge you to find your local food bank and then once a month (usually the week you get your paycheck is the easiest) add $10.00 to your shopping budget and buy things that are shelf stable and easily prepared because a lot of the people preparing the foods are elderly and children.
- Oatmeal
- Pasta and Pasta Sauce
- Rice
- Canned vegetables
- Canned fruit, especially with low sugar (but not artificial sweeteners)
- Canned fish or meat
- Beef stew, chili and similar meals with low sugar and saturated fats
- Baby formula
- Canned milk
- Infant cereal
- Jars of baby food
- Powdered or canned milk
- Diapers
Seattle, WA - Northwest Harvest, Other Seattle Food Banks
