Most grocery stores offer food donation bins for area Feed the Hungry nonprofits. As part of learning to live joyously even in the midst of suffering I hope ask you to consider adding one non-perishable food item to your weekly trip to the grocery store. Today for $2.00 I was able to donate a week's worth of oatmeal. For another $2.00 I donated two cans of organic peas. This may seem like a small and insignificant contribution, but one item can help stock a pantry and fill a hungry soul - $2 a week, $8 a month is something most of us can afford and those that cannot I know you will be lifted up with a joyful heart to endure the test of hunger - there are numerous resources ready to feed the hungry - but those local and national non-profits need support - even if that means you volunteer an hour a month to prepare and serve meals.
I work an hourly job right now - the economy has tested many with not only spiritual questions but a famine of food and constant state of hunger. So even when you have little try to give what you can - that is why I started the $2 challenge - I cannot afford to give large sums of money and food to non-profits - though I desire too - and I work an erratic work schedule that sucks up my time. I find relinquishing $2 a week for a food item and putting it in the bin on the way out of the grocery store blesses another in hope and feeds them, but also reminds me of my blessings and hope that God will provide. God calls us to serve, but he understands our time and monetary constraints - so he calls us to do what we can - if it is with a pure and sincere heart he will bless it.
During your email breaks - click on freerice.com and thehungersite.com to help stop hungry worldwide both sites are free ways to help feed the world!
Another great idea is to work with your community to organize an InterFAITH food event - this can be a potluck meal for the community, or a food drive, bake sale or perhaps a cooking marathon (making sandwiches and other easy to distribute nutrient rich foods) and distributing them to those who hunger.
There are so many simple ways to get involved with feeding our communities and providing the living waters of Christ.
Water - give a bottle of water on a hot day to a stranger - particularly those suffering from homelessness or who work outside and may neglect to stay hydrated.
Great ITEMS to contribute with the $2 (or more) challenge:
- Non-Perishable proteins: canned tuna, canned chicken, beans and other proteins that are shelf safe for a long duration.
- Peanut Butter - it is a healthy staple protein and good for sandwiches and has a long shelf life
- Rice (Brown rice is healthier, but white rice works too)
- Flour* Although not an essential item - many families need flour for cooking - when donating flour consider also donating yeast.
- Gluten Free* and other allergy free products (I have Celiac Disease and always try to contribute GF flour, GF mixes and soups, GF snacks and GF pasta and other GF items to the food bank for those with allergies)
- Pasta
- Canned fruits and veggies (don't donate pineapple as it is the most donated food item)
- Boxed meals that only require water (i.e. no Hamburger Helper as it has lots of other non-inclusive items to make the meal)
- Water
- Energy bars
- Oatmeal, Granola, Cereals
- Juices
- Milk (U.H.T.) this type of milk is packaged so it does not have to be refrigerated
- Soup
- Snacks for kids
- Baby formula and diapers
A fellow blogger also has a great list of items for what to donate at Foodlets
Cans do make a difference - don't underestimate the power of one can of soup, veggies, protein...it can feed a soul and help sustain them for another day!
$1 ideas: I like the Dollar Tree and we always purchase hygiene items like mouthwash, toothpaste and other supplies there - consider going to the $1 aisle and providing oral care and hygiene for donation as well.
Those who rely on the food bank are our neighbors and friends - many are elderly, sick, disabled and working citizens struggling in a down economies, veterans, homeless and countless other souls need the help of food banks - so while $2 seems like a small amount - it can go a long way - especially when you are on a tight budget but still want to help others in need.
I love how many community centers and churches are having gardens to feed the hungry - planting and tilling fresh veggies and fruits to donate to the hungry - we'll explore Gardens of Hope in a future blog.
To find a local food bank and get other action based ideas on how to Feed the Hungry check out Feeding America.
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