Do something for others: CLEAN OUT YOUR PANTRY!!!

Do something for others: CLEAN OUT YOUR PANTRY!!!

Some of the areas we live in are thought of as well-to-do communities or urban communities where people are getting along just fine. Pleasant urban surroundings disguise the fact that many people are barely making ends meet. Your local food bank quietly assists many families in need and in fact, a lot has been reported about the number of food bank clients reaching out for help for the first time. Most food banks are privately funded, and rely solely, on the donations and kindness of others to keep their organizations running. Both food and monetary donations are always needed.

That being said I encourage all the readers of Currants to think about how you can help in your community by taking a good look into your pantry, cupboards, cabinets etc and pull out unopened/sealed cans, jars and packages of food items you can donate to your local food bank. When I really looked at what I had and what I could give, I was surprised to see how much stuff it really was. It’s amazing how fast a few grocery bags fill up! Make this an activity for you and the family, school is out or soon to be out, it’s a good lesson to share with family and friends.

I have included a link that has a zip code search method for finding food banks in your community. http://feedingamerica.org I know that if we look, there are people in need in all our communities. Items most often listed as needed include: canned fruit, dry milk (any size), chicken, veggie or beef broth (any size), canned pasta (with/without meat), canned or jar pasta sauce, dried pasta and rice, died beans, canned beans, canned tomatoes, peanut butter, bottled juice, cooking oil (quart or smaller), Pam or other oil spray, jelly/jam, paper towels, trial size/hotel toiletries, bar soap, and coffee.