A Taste of Kindness

 One thing Pope Francis taught us was kindness to others. He was very much like St. Francis ,of whom he took his name. we can learn from both ,especially during these are times.

Food is one of the best ways to reach out to anyone.If you do have a family member, neighbor or friend who is alone and wanting company share a meal with them. Nothing lifts the spirits more than a meal and good conversation.It doesn't;t have to be a fancy meal, McDonald's or even a sandwich in the back yard will do the trick.Invite them over for a Sunday family dinner. It's soon to be barbecue season so save an extra set at the outdoor table.Remember our veterans, especially the elderly ones. Not only share a meal with them but shop for them as well. You can also volunteer at soup kitchens too. It's strange that many just volunteer only on Thanksgiving or Christmas. The needy are hungry all year long. They need food in the  Spring and summer months too. The staff would greatly appreciate the extra hands too. There are also food pantries that will need help and food too.Donate what you can if you can.

It is hard to share however with food prices always rising to astronomical highs and not enough time, thanks to busy schedules.Yet , we lose our humanity when we only think of ourselves. If you're having struggles yourself  reach out. There's no shame in visiting a food pantry. You have to eat. Your family  and animal companions have to eat. Keep in mind that they also have necessary items too, such as diapers, detergent, soap, and paper towels to name a few. Another idea that can work is the community are aptly named community gardens. Cities such as Paterson and Newark, both  New Jersey  highly urban cities have these. Everyone in the neighborhood pitches in, from tilling and hoeing the soil to planting the seeds to weeding and then harvesting the crops. It means fresh veggies and fruits for all. Some gardens even offer cooking classes that show how to make nutritious yet tasty meals with the harvests. They also offer classes for kids for gardening too as well as other classes such as yoga and meditation. It's all about helping each other.

Pope Francis ,like St. Francis helped all. It's time to do the same. The best way is through food.

Helping Each Other

 This is Martin Luther King Day, a day when we need to remember Dr King's words and actions. We will need this in the next four years and possibly beyond. Keep in mind people , family friends, neighbors will need our support.

Despite all the promises, food prices will not go down. Thankfully there are stores like Lidl and Aldi that offer good food at lower prices. Shop at them to save money. They, especially Lidl ,offer deep discounts on such expensive items as  eggs and milk. Wal.mart also has some good buys on various food stuffs and appliances too. Be judicious. Be smart. Another way is supporting small farms. These too will suffer in the upcoming years. Support them in the summer and fall when their harvests are ready to sell. Bring your family,friends and neighbors to shop and show them how they can save too if they haven't;t discovered these discount grocery stores.Another way to combat rising prices is start your own gardens. Start planning now for Spring planting. beginners should stick with easy veggies to grow. Think radishes and tomatoes along with carrots and peas. Fruit trees take a few years to mature and produce harvests. You can grow these if you;re patient enough. Remember to donate some fo your harvest to those who need it , whether family friends or neighbors. 

IN that same vein, some programs will most undoubtedly be cut.Veterans and the disabled will be needing help too. Again do what you can to donate to food pantries. If you own a restaurant, donate any overage to soup kitchen s .Another idea is do what rocker Jon Bon Jovi as done, His Soul Kitchens allow people to pay what they can or help out in the restaurants. This gives those struggling a chance for a night out which for some is a luxury.Also consider hiring these people too. They'll appreciate the job as well as whatever food they can bring home with them. Mentoring will also be important too. Any shop in the food industry or restaurant can do this, helping those who are struggling to get started with their own careers.Smaller shops like bakeries and meat markets can perhaps offer discounts on day old products and also offer discounts to students and veterans.These shops should also promote and sell small time artesans, those who make their own honey or baked goods along with kitchen items like towels and ceramics.

Today we honor Martin Luthr King. We should honor his principles and generosity too.It will make the next four years bearable. 

Ash Wednesday Giving And Giving Up

Today is Ash Wednesday, the start of the Western Christian holy period leading up to Easter Sunday. It's a time of giving up but can also be a time of giving. One of the pluses of this austere time is that our sacrifices can turn into habits that we can take with us through the year.

Volunteering is never really a Lenten idea yet is is a sacrifice of one's time. Many soup kitchens are understaffed at this time because volunteers usually drift away.  Our local media never  emphasizes this as they do around the Thanksgiving and Christmas when more people feel compelled to help out. To get rid of the mid  winter doldrums join your local kitchen and  hang out if you have the time. Get to know the regulars and listen to their stories.Buy them a coffee if you see them on the street, help them in whatever journey they're on. Another idea is baking for these kitchens . Have the offspring help so they can get an idea of what public service is.They can make brownies or cookies and bring them over to the kids (and there are many) that also frequent the kitchens.Smaller soup kitchen sometimes have parties so donate either food or drinks or even bake a cake or cupcakes to bring over as well as assisting setting up and cleaning up afterwards. Also donating seeds and gardening tools to community gardens are a huge help as well along with offering gardening advice. Right now many grocery stores are starting to sell seeds. Pick up a few packets, such as lettuce, peas and squash  to help them start.

Of course Lent means giving up the foods and drinks we love Many give up sweets such as cake or candy for these forty days. The good thing about giving up foods is that you lose your taste for them. These sweets can be replaced with healthier fruits for a burst of sweetness. After a while it's easier to reach for a handful of dark , flavorful grapes than cookies. It's also better for the body as well as for the soul, as we all know. You'll feel springier  after nixing the gluten and refined flours and replacing it with vitamins and fiber too. Many , especially the Greek Orthodox give up meats for Lenten fasting. There are so many bonuses win doing this. You'll lose weight  as well as not ingesting all those harmful antibiotics and hormones that are still being injected into farm animals. It's also a good deed , with saving animal's lives. Fasters will also enjoy broadening their diets by include all sorts of pastas and vegetable dishes. They'll  discover the variety of different faux meats from Morningstar Farms and Gardien brands. Remember though , that if you give up meat you need to supplant it with protein. This is where peanut butter or any nut along with green peas and edamame give you that punch of it. Even unsweetened cocoa powder which can be made into the Mexican mole sauce has huge quantities of it.

Ash Wednesday is a time to start  giving up whether time or favorite foods. It's a time of soul searching and wondering what you can do to make life better for yourself and your community. It's fasting but also also pondering too.

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.