Summer Support Vacation At A Soup Kitchen

Everyone tends to forget about food kitchens and food pantries when the temps go up. It's a funny concept that we have about those who need our help. We're fine about donating time and food items during the fall and winter , and ignore doing this in favor of our own pursuits come summer. Unfortunately neediness is year long.Those who needed our help and a meal in December still may need us and a plate of  home cooked goodness now.

If you have time, even a spare vacation day, you can help out at your local soup kitchen. There's always work to be done , whether prepping fruit and veggies or making sandwiches,Also  you can dispense cold drinks  for hot visitors and ice cream for their kids. Helping out is a good lesson for the your young ones too, especially for teens and tweens. It's a great way for them to use  vacation time and giving to the community. The kitchens probably need helping cleaning up along taking out garbage and dumping spoiled food. Volunteer to wash pots and pans as well as sweeping or mopping up floors.Some soup kitchens also contribute lunches to nearby preschools, (this may be more prevalent with churches  that have both ) Volunteer to make sandwiches or be a part of the breakfast program. The best part  is the smiles you'll receive.  Also suggest having weekend cookouts where families could gather for hot dogs and corn. It's a fun way of meeting people and brining the community closer together.

If you don't have time to donate, then donate your garden. So many of us wind up with overage. After all there's only so much tomato sauce to make or zucchini bread to bake. You'll not only contribute to their meals but to better nutrition too Even those bushel baskets bought at the farm or farmer's market can be halved and donated. These can also go to food pantries too, Giving families the chance to enjoy home cooked meals made with fresh and nutritious ingredients. It helps them cut back on eating processed foods and snacks too. Some stores are contributing  their unsold produce as well along with leftover breads and dairy products. Try to get your local farms involved too or have them introduce a day where those in need can shop there for half price.

Poverty is not a seasonal thing. It exists all through the year. If you can donate vacation time or some garden produce. Both will be a great summer gift.