From Pantry to Plate-part one

My family and I utilize the food banks and pantries in our area. We get a lot of great food. Not a lot of people know that they can make amazing meals out of it. So, I decided that I would share what I get and what I make.

This episode is about how assistance works.

In many counties, there are many food banks and pantries. They are two different things, and many run differently.

This is how it works here:

Our county food bank allows us to visit twice a week. They provide one protein. They have had fish, ground beef, hamburger patties, and many other versions. It all depends on what they have to offer. They also give bread, fruits, and vegetables. Often, they have snacks and a lot of perishable foods.

We also attend a church, which has a food pantry that is open twice a week. Wee are able to attend both days. They provide the same as the food bank.

Another local church is open twice a month, and we are able to attend both times.

Another one we have attended is attached to a local hospital. You can go twice a week, and they provide staples like milk, eggs, bread, and cereal. Sometimes, they have fresh fruits and veggies.

With all those options and without breaking the rules, I can visit a food bank and pantry 26 times. Depending on what we get and what they offer, this would provide food for at least 26 days. I do not attend that much, but I do go when we need stuff.

Let me now explain how I store what we get. Let's say I can get 2 gallons of milk per visit for a week. I am able to take two because I have what they consider a big family. If I am able to take two milks, I will. Knowing that my family does not drink that much milk, I will freeze it and defrost it when needed. One week, we got four large packages of frozen taco meat. I could split them in half and make eight meals out of it. I add things to the meat to make it stretch. I add tomatoes and beans.

There are many ways to make amazing meals. I also want to share that when I go to the grocery store, I buy in bulk and when it's on sale.

The meals I will be sharing will be easy and low-cost, so even if you don't utilize food banks and pantries, you will still get ideas on how to make cost-effective meals.

Food pantries are a great way to afford life. The less you spend on groceries, the more you can spend on rent, bills, daycare, and gas. If you are in need of food, don't ever feel ashamed to visit one of these places. You can find information through a Google search of food banks and food pantries. They will explain how to get food and what you will need. Many places don't need much information about you. The county food banks will ask for more information. If you cannot get to a food bank or food pantry, ask if there is any assistance to get the food to you.

The need for food is scary. When you think there is no way to feed your kids, you start to think of other ways to get food. Please understand that there is no need to steal. There is always a way to get food. There is no need to add a criminal charge and fines. Please follow me so you can get the amazing meal recipes I will be sharing.