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.

The Hungry Of Summer

Even though it's summer, there are still the hungry and needy.So many people tend to forget them because most feel they"ll be OK.That's far from the truth.The weather may be fine, and in their favor but they still lack good and proper nutrition.Their children don"t even have the luxury of a treat of ice cream or Popsicles. Surprisingly homeless shelters are still packed in summer.Though not surprisingly the amount of volunteers decreases.If you can and have the time, then help out.If you have a garden, and fruit trees, feel free to share.Anyone would appreciate a juicy ripe tomato, and it's bursting with much needed antioxidants and vitamins.The same goes for carrots and peppers.Another kind idea is buy extra on your next trip to your local farmer's market and donate some.Also help out and cook at the shelter.Try to get local companies involved as well to donate for a barbecue.Everyone needs a fun afternoon ,full of hot dogs, homemade Cole slaw and watermelon slices. If there are kids, and there always are, then try to have a sundae bar as an extra treat or the healthier home made ice pops. Food pantries need supplies all year round.Again donate cans as well as any fresh veggies and fruits you're growing.Parents will appreciate these along with the usual canned and boxed goods.Print up recipes and vitamin charts for any fresh sauces or stuffed peppers or onions.If you're into canning , and preserving ,ask your pantry if you can donate these too as well as homemade, pasta sauces,ketchups and salsas.Any bakery owners can also give extra buns and rolls for hamburgers and hot dogs.Try to work with the pantry to ensure that there is a large variety of fresh picked fruits and veggies. Encourage your local pantry sell more fresh juices and waters which are better than all that soda and sugary teas and energy drinks.If you can arrange with farmers markets as well as with any local farms to possibly sell at cost or donate whole wheat baked goods as well as naturally processed honeys that did not sell. Hunger doesn't. Care what season it is. Neither does poverty.Help those who can't afford a meal of fresh picked veggies or a food filled barbecue.It will not only be a good day for them but for you as well.

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.