Sharing The Pantry

Americans, like myself, have the tendency to overbuy. That's especially true with food. We wind up with too many boxes or packets,bags and containers. Will we eat all of it? No? Should we share it? Yes.

If you have overage in your pantry , then consider donating it to food drives. Of course cans are preferable. One they're easy to store and two, they do last a usual four or five years. There's also a lot that can be done with canned veggies and fruit. The first can be used as a side or mixed with rice or pasta for a more filling main course. Canned fruit is just good on its' own and the perfect snack instead of cookies and cakes, However there are other foodstuffs you can donate as well. Flour can be donated, even if you opened it back in June or July. Opened flour has a shelf life of eight months so even half a bag is good to give away. Just give it a sniff before donating. Toss if you smell any mustiness. One of the most sturdiest foods to donate is rice. It has an indefinite shelf life, meaning you can still use it two or three years from purchasing. One sign that is is bad is the appearance of the rice weevil. It's a tiny reddish-brown bug that can show up in the box or canister. Chuck the rice if those start showing up.

Many of us have those Keurig machines that use pods. That's great but there's also a dearth of leftover teabags and hot chocolate packets. Any tea bag will last between a year to two years. If you have a variety left over then put them in Mason jars, decorated with  pretty homespun bows and ribbons. Food pantries and senior centers would love to have these.Hot chocolate lasts for only six months but if you have extra that's under that time period , donate. Regular cocoa powder can last up to two years and can still be used for cooking and baking. Instant coffee has a shelf life of a whopping twenty years!!! This depends on the packaging  yet you can still donate it. Even longer lived than instant coffee is sugar. Both granulated and confectioner's can last forever as can brown sugar. White and brown sugar can turn hard and crunchy To restore them  put the crystals in a baggie and smash with a rolling pin to get rid of the hardness. Any of these will be much appreciated by bakers who want to create treats for their kids.Another baking necessity you may have over stocked is a bag of chocolate chips. Again, real chocolate is considered dry, meaning it 's not encumbered by any bacteria so it can last as long as the sugars. If your chips are hanging around donate them with your other foods.

A pantry cleaning is always necessary. Yet instead of throwing out your overage , just donate. it'll help not only declutter your kitchen but add to someone else's.

Sharing The Harvest

September is the time of harvests.It should also be a time of sharing those harvests with soup kitchens and food pantries. It's time to open the gardens for those who need the benefits of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Many home gardeners wind up with a bumper crop of various veggies this time of year. Tomatoes of all sorts and sizes abound .Instead of giving them to friends and relatives , try the pantries instead.There are many families who would appreciate them in salads, sauces or even as a snack. The same is true is true with any zucchini or squash. Again these can be turned into tasty nutritious savory dishes or baked into sweet breads.Some home gardeners get a bit too enthusiastic about various forms of lettuce.  What to do with the extra?Of course, donate. Once in a while a home gardeners decides to  grow corn. As we all know you can't just plant one stalk. A small plot of land may be used but the result is dozens of ears of corn that look like they came from an acre. These will be truly appreciated because not only are they good eaten  roasted or boiled, served with butter, they can also be used in making rich chowders or healthy succotash. Herbs too can be donated. As anyone who grows basil will tell you, the plants have hundreds of leaves that will wither if not picked. Fresh basil is a luxury to many and can be a life saver in creating home made tomato sauces or revitalizing blah leftovers. You could also type up and copy a pesto recipe to be given out.

Other veggies are also coming into maturity right now. Home gardeners probably have an abundance of eggplants right now. These are so versatile,from being breaded to being an important ingredient in ratatouille. If you're growing wild garlic now, give the mature bulbs to your local pantry. Again garlic is so versatile.It can be used as a natural alternative to salt in flavoring meats and vegetables, a fact that should be stressed  somehow at the pantries. Onions are always a fun veggie to grow but you can only eat so much bowls of  onion soup and rings. Donate the extras. Onions can be saved to be used as flavorings in stocks and sauces.Many home gardens have a cucumber patch that is bursting with overage. These can be donated and made into bread and butter pickles for late season barbecues. Fruits are also coming into their on right now. Don't hesitate to bring apples and pears as well, along with recipes for tarts, baked apples and poached pears.Gardeners may also have extra melons at this time. Don't relegate them to the compost heap. They will be greatly appreciated as well, making a nice breakfast or dessert.Plums too, are in their last bloom and as everyone knows are in abundance. These, too, can be given to food pantries, making great after school snacks or desserts

Don't toss out any of your overage. There are food pantries that need your extra fruit and veggies. Share your harvest..It's the best part of being a gardener.

Go to Humbleseed.com to check where the food pantries are in your town and neighborhood.

Paying It Forward Foodwise

Even though today is a sad one, it can be used to fulfill a life purpose.Anyone can give back simply by donating time or food to food pantries in their areas or helping out military families.Doing such is not only a great way of giving back but also of getting in touch with the greater community.You get out of your circle and embrace the bigger one. The last of the summer harvest is always a great gift to Amy food pantry.Tomatoes are much needed and they can be used in sandwiches or in a homemade sauce.Another is zucchini.These can be stuffed or sliced,definitely making up a solidly nutritious meal.Even fresh cut herbs have their place, being used for extra flavoring in sauce or breads.For those who are lucky to have fruit trees, think about donating any overage.Nothing is better than fresh fruit and it's a better alternative to candies and pasties.It's also versatile enough to go into breakfasts or snacks.Bakery owners can easily give slightly stale leftovers. Day old rolls and breads can still be used. Sandwich shops can donate any sub's that hadn't sold at lunch time.Also diners can contribute making hot meals to go so families can relax with a hot and nutritious turkey or beef dinner. Another way of giving back is recognizing service families. Think about giving their kids special birthday parties at your local veterans posts. Host a pinata party with the added fun of make your own tacos or a cupcake decorating station.Another fun idea is apple picking where you can organize groups. Throw in a fun picnic with healthy sandwiches and sides. For couple just returning volunteer to babysit so the couple can enjoy a night to themselves. You can also make them a romantic home cooked dinner with little extras like fresh baked biscuits or homemade barbecue. Also think of donating time to veterans hospitals too. Help them celebrate their birthdays in a big way with good food and good stories plus a big cake. This day is one of sadness. It will always be known for it.Yet it can also be a day of giving back. Donate your time skill or overage to make it a bit better for all.

Donating Your Cooking Skills

It can't be emphasized enough that so many shelters and soup kitchens need help and even some expertise.Many home chefs out there do have a specialized area, a dish or method that they"re good at and can be brought to any shelter.It is a great way of livening up a sometimes dull diet.The people there will appreciate it and so will you. Anyone can volunteer at a soup kitchen or a women's or homeless shelter.Home chefs can find these satisfying, not only feeding the community but also their souls.If anyone has a specialty they should bring it to these places.Sometimes a sandwich like a BLT or meatball hero is a treat.If you're good at making homemade spaghetti or even sauce ,show off.Everyone loves a home cooked meal with Freshmade pasta..Comfort food is always in demand.Ask what are the favorites and make them.Hand battered fried chicken, homemade meatloaf and gravy and even hand cut plank fries can go a long way not only in satisfying hunger but also telegraphing the message You are loved.You are special."Another help is introducing more nutritional foods and info.If you have any background in diet and nutrition, share it.Introducing fruit and veggies instead of snacks and sweets is a step in the right direction.Good nutrition is the key to staying healthy and keeping dieases at bay. Shelters are always grateful for any home chef with special skills.Sometimes there are children there which can difficult both forthem and their parents.Donate time and skills.If you're good at cake decorating,then spend an afternoon frosting cupcakes.Make ice pops from pureed fruits for a healthy yet fun snack.Pizza parties are always welcome and let them make good for you pies with whole wheat crust and fresh tomato and toppings.If the shelter has some extra land(and some do) then help with creating a garden patch.Both kids and adults will love this.They not only learn about growing but also have a harvest at their fingertips.Donate some tomato and pepper plants.If there is a lot of room think about growing corn and watermelon for now and pumpkins for the fall.Have a small square for herbs such as basil and dill.Introducing these natural spices and showing how they can flavor dishes is much better off than letting them always each for salt .If there is a bumper crop,think about opening up a stand to create a fund . Showing off special skills makes any home chef happy. Get a double dose of it by showing off at your local shelter or soup kitchen. Every one will benefit.

Random Acts Of Foodie Kindness

Even though the weather is warm outside there are still hungry people who need a cool drink and a meal.We tend to only remember the needy and homeless when the temps fall. Yet they're there, twelves months a year. That's why it's important to remember them now.

Food pantries and food banks always are on the lookout for fresh veggies and fruits. An ideal gift is any bumper crop from your garden.If you have extra tomatoes or lettuce, think about donating them. Fresh veg is great and can be stretched into a variety of tasty and healthy dishes. The same for fruits.If your plum or peach tree has an abundance of fruit, don't hesitate to donate what you don't want. Kids would love to have a sweet but nutritious snack.Their parents would love it as well, because it's not all those cheap sugary treats that are laden with transfats and empty calories.

Water would come in handy too , at shelters. Donate as many cases as you can. Nothing beats a cool swig of water, especially on a hot summer's night. Also if you see a homeless person, treat him or her to a bottle of water or iced tea. If they're hanging around where you;re eating ask if you can buy them a meal.|Some cafes do have a pay what you can price  for those who are financially strapped. This applies to anybody, from the recently laid off to those who have lost everything. Spread the word about these if you can, These are the restaurants and eateries that should be garnering  a lot of business.

There are still the homeless out there, there are still the hungry. Just because it;s summer, doesn't mean that they just disappear. They're around, needing , wanting our help. We have to make sure their summer is going well with good food and a cooling drink.

The Time for Food Drives

Winter will be on us soon although it is only September.It is a time to think of those less fortunate and what they do to survive during the cold months ahead. You can be in charge of one at your kid's school or go one step further and have one with your neighbors or office mates. Even groups of friends can get together and start a successful food drive.

The first step is to get organized. Either pick yourself or someone who has a lot of extra room to be the designated drop off. Then it's time to group together and discuss what charity you want to donate to and when. Many churches in the area do have food pantries and they would appreciate the extra cans. After all many people are still jobless and use these places on a weekly basis. if you live in a metropolitan area then there are plenty of shelters (sadly enough) who would appreciate canned and dry goods. Go on the internet and do a thorough search .Drop off stations will come up , either by town , county, parish or state.

What should you donate? Formula , surprisingly is number one. A lot of families cannot afford this and it and diapers would be greatly appreciated. Canned food , certainly, such as veggies that are chock full of vitamins .These can be made into a variety of tasty sides and also can keep for months. Think about chilis and tinned meat ssuch as tuna, deviled chicken and ham. Another must are pastas and sauces. These are perfect for those with fussy kids and any pasta dish is filling and nutritious. Canned fruits are excellent choices too.Although not as nutritious as the fresh ones , they still can be handy and also can be made into different desserts. Also think about donating pet foods because many in need do have cats and dogs that they're struggling to feed.

Cold weather may seem like a lifetime away right now. However it's not too early to think about food drives for the poor and needy. The more you collect, the more they'll benefit.Start right away for a successful drive.

In The Spirit Of MLK Day

This is the American holiday of Martin Luther King Day, when we honor a great man of service and dedication as well as of passion. However his message was not just American , it was universal . We are all equal. We all are linked together. We have to look out for each other.


How can we foodies honor such a legacy? By donating to food banks to help our fellow brethren .There are so many people unemployed and desperate right now who need our help. If you can spare a couple of cans of veggies or packages of pasta , please do so. Help out at the banks too if you can. There are also soup kitchens everywhere that always need a helping hand. if you own a restaurant you may want to donate any extra food to them as well or open up your place solely for the homeless and unemployed.

Today also think about the Haitians who have almost no food and water much less anything else. This is the time to donate so that they can receive some sort of decent victuals. Your best bet is the Red Cross who will get food and supplies to Port Au Prince and other devastated areas.

Give up the little luxury of gourmet candy or sea salt and spend the money you would have spent on cans of food and donations. Instead of whipping up a batch of cookies fro yourself, make a few or organize a bake sale to help those in need. Remember we all share this planet. We all have to look out for each other.