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Hey, you know those Tiny Free Pantries that people put up to help distribute food to those in need? My mom was telling me that she had been frustrated/confused by some of the items that weren't being taken. She started paying attention to what items lingered...
For example, dried beans. No one wanted them. She took them home, added canned tomatoes, a package of seasoning, etc, and put the ingredients in a zip-top bag with a instructions to make chili. Someone snagged it immediately!
She's been making up a variety of recipe bundles for a couple of months now, and it seems to be win-win.
Green beans? Nah. Green bean casserole? Sure!
Lentils? No, thank you. Lentil soup? Yes, please!
Noodles? Ok. Spaghetti with sauce & seasoning? Absolutely!
Green beans? Nah. Green bean casserole? Sure!
Lentils? No, thank you. Lentil soup? Yes, please!
Noodles? Ok. Spaghetti with sauce & seasoning? Absolutely!
She's overcoming several barriers. People may be completely unfamiliar with certain ingredients. They may recognized an ingredient but be overwhelmed by having to figure out what to do with it. They may know exactly what to make, but lack the needed ingredients or $ to buy them.
By providing everything necessary to prepare a DISH, including instructions, she's ministering to the entire person. She's giving them back their time, and she's stretching her donation dollars because her ingredients are often cheaper than pre-prepared options.
