Helping Other Help Themselves

 It is tough to be on your own or in a new country. That's where being a neighbor comes in. Sometmes a cooked meal can do more than anything else. Food is always a good way to connect.

Elderly neighbors or shut ins can appreciate having their grocery shopping done for them. Volunteer when you go on your own shopping trip. Sit down with them to write out a list that should include nutritional foods like fruit and veggies. Yes, they can have treats within limits but also make sure they get a wide variety of good produce too. Ask them also what their allergies are along with restrictions too. They may be diabetic which means restricting sweets and even some fruits or have hypertension issues which means buying low sodium products and staying away from some processed and canned foods. Also include necessities like toilet paper and paper towels. If you have newly arrived neighbors in your neighborhood ask if they'd like to visit the local groceries and markets. You may also benefit when they introduce you to ingredients and spices that are native to their cuisine. Another big help is looking on like for specific shops that sell food they're familiar with. There are always Asian ,  AfricanSouth American and Caribbean markets that are within walking and driving distance

Cooking brings everyone together. Always keep older friends, fmaily and neighbors in mine when you have a Sunday dinner or a late season barbecue. Even an invitation to an at home tail gating party will be fun. A plus is asking them if they have any favorite dishes or desserts and then creating them for them.If they want to help let them. You can also use a pair of extra hands however make sure that they don't do anything too strenuous or that can do them harm. As for new neighbors, co-workers and classmates  treat them to a dinner featuring the best of either American or your own ethnic cusine. They 'll appciate the work that went into it and enjoy both the food and the company. Keep in mind  that there may be dietary restrictions. You could try making Impossible Meat or Beyond Beef hamburgers or Gardein's plant based chicken nuggets. Roasted veggies like eggplants, tomatoes, ,peppers and asparagus make for a tasty barbecue. You can even grill fruit such as pineapple and peaches. Introduce them to that great American dessert s'mores. It's a fun treat for adult and kids alike.

Today is a day for remembering. Remember the elderly and the newly arrived  when you shop or plan a dinner or party. They'll like that you kept them in mind  as they enjoy good food and good conversation.