Food Bank Thread!

[ColbertWatcher]

The most important issue for Americans in the foreseeable future is the failure of the GOP financial ideology.

The stock market's dive for the past few months are being ignored by the GOP ticket in favor of non-issues.

With winter fast approaching there are more Americans who will need help.

We are 26 days away from the election, but there is no telling how long it will be before the economy improves.

Can we as a community do something to help local food banks feed people in need?

Maybe we can do something similar to what Keith Olbermann did with for the Alaska Special Olympics? For those who might not know: Olbermann donates $100 for every lie Palin said while campaigning.

So, what do you say DUers? Can we come up with a way to help food banks so hungry people don't have to resort to items listed in Bluebear's thread?

[Xipe Totec]

1. I belong to a CSA

(Community Supported Agriculture)

that donates 20% of it's annual crop to food banks.

It's little, I know, but it's a start.

:hi:

[ColbertWatcher]

2. How are they doing this year? n/t

[Xipe Totec]

4. It's been a hard year

Bad rains, at the wrong time, meant very few tomatos.

The rest of the crop pulled through.

The farmer is thinking about thining membership next year, to make sure to keep her 20% pledge.

Only those members that contributed both financially, and with labor, will be retained.

Money is no substitute for good labor.

[SpiralHawk]

3. CSA - learn more, follow the links

The food thing is going to get damn serious this winter and for years to come, thanks to republicon FAIL.

To learn about CSA -- and maybe keep on eating -- follow this link:
http://www.chiron-communications.com/farms.html


"Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) offers a way for every human being to be directly involved in the care and healing of the earth, while also ensuring a supply of clean, healthy food for their families and their neighbors."

(snip)...

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

5. My wife volunteers at the local foodbank. The # of applicants has tripled in the last few months.

And, the Food Bank is seriously running out of food. Even the "hard times" staples like macaroni and pinto beans.

[ColbertWatcher]

6. Does she have a list of the best foods to donate? n/t

[siligut]

27. They can always use peanut butter, canned fruits and vegetables, pasta and rice.

I buy cans of: soup, chili and ravioli too, things kids like. Also, if you go to Costco, you can get the 8 packs of canned tuna and chicken.

They are always very pleasant at the food bank and grateful for anything non-perishable. My last visit, they were doing much better, and it seems these Internet threads are part of what is helping.

[I Have A Dream]

7. This is really important. I'd definitely want to be involved if...

we as a community were to decide to do something.

K&R!

[ColbertWatcher]

10. Thank you. I think DU has the numbers to do something great here. n/t

[Hestia]

8. My DH & I gave last night, it's too far to actually volunteer, so I can only do money for now

[ColbertWatcher]

40. Actually I think some would like the money to buy stuff people aren't donating! n/t

[elshiva]

9. K&R Dr. ColbertWatcher.

Our family uses two different food banks to supplement our food supply. This is very important. Thank you. :hug: :toast: :yourock:

[ColbertWatcher]

12. You're welcome! DU can be a force for good! n/t

[elshiva]

18. You are a true American.

:loveya: :hug:

[ColbertWatcher]

22. I know!

[Mnemosyne]

11. KnR, how very thoughtful, CW. There will be much more hunger and cold.

It will be even worse next winter, I'm afraid to say.

[ColbertWatcher]

13. I actually got the idea after reading the joke poll by Bluebear (link in the OP)! n/t

[Mnemosyne]

26. Whatever it takes, at this point. Thanks for pointing out the link. n/t

[143tbone]

14. Just Donate! On a regular basis.

Go there, become familiar with the operation and just take the initiative and do what you feel is most effective. Then try to get your friends and neighbors involved. Big things start in a small way.

[ColbertWatcher]

19. Sometimes some people need a little incentive.

Especially in the current environment. For some, it might be a choice between eating the food themselves and donating it to someone else in need.

[tblue]

15. I'll help!

[yellerpup]

16. Maybe another good idea would be cooking lessons

or simple recipes (a pot, a pan? hook up via Salvation Army or school drive) to tuck into the food box at the pantry. Due to a partial building collapse, we were without gas in our NYC apartment building for about six weeks one winter and it was amazing how much I learned how to cook on an electric griddle and a cheap popcorn popper. A lot of young families who are hungry never learned how to cook. Mac & cheese from a box, ramen, etc., that's really food substitute.

[ColbertWatcher]

21. Thank you for posting this.

I wonder if there is any way to know how many people will need help this year.

[yellerpup]

32. I help coordinate student volunteers to prepare/deliver/raise funds for

several outreach programs. One is for young mothers and children in E. Harlem, NYC and another for a food and socks program that delivers bag lunches, toiletries, and clean clothes to homeless men via a van that finds them on the streets (or they find us--it's a regular route). The women's pantry is empty now. They called this week but it will take a month to get what needs doing done before we can actually deliver. I can find out and let you know how many in these two programs will need help this year, but as to how many nationwide will need help--I could weep to even think of how many, but that's a luxury we don't have time for right now. I do like your idea for how DU can get involved as you laid out downthread and find the prospect of humiliating John McCain in the process especially appealing. The "donate to Planned Parenthood in the name of Sarah Palin" campaign worked out miraculously! Let me know how I can help.

[ColbertWatcher]

35. "The "donate to Planned Parenthood in the name of Sarah Palin" campaign "

LOL, yes it did! I thought that was so awesome!

[ColbertWatcher]

17. WHAT ABOUT THIS IDEA?

DUers will donate one can of food for every day the GOP ticket avoids speaking directly to Oabam's face all the crap they lie about on the campaign trail?

That means the most one DUer will donate would be 26 cans; the least would be 7, provided McCain doesn't chicken out on October 15, the date of the final presidential debate and actually dares to say something to Obama.

[bdamomma]

49. or give a donation to second harvest.

this is not going to be a very good Thanksgiving for alot of people.


http://www.feedingamerica.org/?show_nce=1

[dgibby]

20. Count me in!

[bread_and_roses]

Let's work with people instead to demand a national guaranteed income

for everyone, enough to pay for the groceries, at least. And if that is too ambitious, let's organize to demand a raise in Food Stamps to actually cover the cost of a month's food, and to raise the eligibility levels. While we're at it, we need to demand the nationalization of the utilities, or, if that is too ambitious a first step, at least a moratorium on shut-offs this winter, because otherwise, I fear, our elders and infants will be freezing to death.

How to pay for this? Organize to demand taxing the rich and corporations at something approaching fair for the value they take out of the "commons."

I say all this not to dismiss the kindness in the OP, or of anyone who contributes to/works at Food Banks. Most of those who do so are operating out of the best impulses of human nature - empathy and generosity. Nor do I intend this as a sneer at anyone who contributes time/money to Food Banks - one does what one feels one can. But, in the end, charity is a dead end - it solves nothing. Let the rich salve their consciences with Food Bank donations - they are the ones who've profited from the Neo Lib/Con pillage and plunder these last decades. I'd rather put my time and resources to work trying to change the system that makes Food Banks necessary.

[ColbertWatcher]

25. You're correct, but right now, people will need to eat.

Once we vote out enough GOPhers, we can get laws that actually help people passed.

[Lyric]

23. I've worked with food banks for years. Sometimes as a donor, sometimes

as a recipient.

The most important food bank staples are grain-based foods and starches. Rice, oats, instant potatoes, corn, self-rising flour, pancake mix, Bisquick, flour, etc. Another biggie is shortening, because it's shelf-stable and can be used to make biscuits, shortcakes, gravy, etc. We have survived for several days on shortening biscuits, brown gravy, and canned fruit when things get really bad.

As for fruits, the best ones are canned pineapple, peaches, jars of applesauce, and fruit cocktails in juice or light syrup. Tuna fish and canned chicken breast are very good, as they are both low in saturated fat and high in protein. Canned foods overall are good, but especially consider canned milk, because the powdered nonfat milk is just horrible--both for drinking and for cooking. It's a popular donation item, but it's not something that anyone looks forward to trying to cook with, because it's so watery and it never seems to dissolve well. Canned milk is better--add some water and it tastes (and cooks) much, much more like real, fresh milk.

Cereal is another biggie. The big bags of Malt-O-Meal cereal are cheap, and kids love them. Beans are good--the Great Northern beans are the most popular, because they're mild-tasting and the skins aren't too thick. Kids eat them without complaint, as opposed to kidney beans or limas. Get the kind that come with a ham flavoring packet and you'll make somebody very happy.

I have lots of food bank resources and advice if anybody wants to hear more. I'm just a PM away.

[ColbertWatcher]

24. Thank you for your advice!

Now, we have to figure out a way to get everyone to donate en masse.

I'd like to make it a counterpoint to the nastiness of the GOP.

[slipslidingaway]

28. K&R and nice suggestions from oktoberain n/t

[ColbertWatcher]

31. Yup, I agree.

As of today (October 9, 2008) DU has 129,199 user registrations (minus 100 or so people trying desperately to get their accounts blocked).

We've donated almost $100,000 to Obama! Didn't he say we have to help him with the work and that we can't just rely on him to do everything?

We can donate a can of food (or one item) everyday from now until the election. The way the economy is headed, people are going to need some help. Why not start now?

DU is a huge community.

Some recommendations already posted:

Post #27, from silligut

They can always use peanut butter, canned fruits and vegetables, pasta and rice.

I buy cans of: soup, chili and ravioli too, things kids like. Also, if you go to Costco, you can get the 8 packs of canned tuna and chicken.

They are always very pleasant at the food bank and grateful for anything non-perishable.

Post #_, from oktoberain

The most important food bank staples are grain-based foods and starches. Rice, oats, instant potatoes, corn, self-rising flour, pancake mix, Bisquick, flour, etc. Another biggie is shortening, because it's shelf-stable and can be used to make biscuits, shortcakes, gravy, etc. We have survived for several days on shortening biscuits, brown gravy, and canned fruit when things get really bad.

As for fruits, the best ones are canned pineapple, peaches, jars of applesauce, and fruit cocktails in juice or light syrup. Tuna fish and canned chicken breast are very good, as they are both low in saturated fat and high in protein. Canned foods overall are good, but especially consider canned milk, because the powdered nonfat milk is just horrible--both for drinking and for cooking. It's a popular donation item, but it's not something that anyone looks forward to trying to cook with, because it's so watery and it never seems to dissolve well. Canned milk is better--add some water and it tastes (and cooks) much, much more like real, fresh milk.

Cereal is another biggie. The big bags of Malt-O-Meal cereal are cheap, and kids love them. Beans are good--the Great Northern beans are the most popular, because they're mild-tasting and the skins aren't too thick. Kids eat them without complaint, as opposed to kidney beans or limas. Get the kind that come with a ham flavoring packet and you'll make somebody very happy.

Also, Post #16, from yellerpup who suggests:

Maybe another good idea would be cooking lessons

or simple recipes (a pot, a pan? hook up via Salvation Army or school drive) to tuck into the food box at the pantry. Due to a partial building collapse, we were without gas in our NYC apartment building for about six weeks one winter and it was amazing how much I learned how to cook on an electric griddle and a cheap popcorn popper. A lot of young families who are hungry never learned how to cook. Mac & cheese from a box, ramen, etc., that's really food substitute.

[asdjrocky]

29. I have quite a veggie garden in my back yard.

Once a week I take what I can to the local food bank.

[ColbertWatcher]

33. Out of curiosity, which foods keep best?

Which ones do you find are easiest to grow?

Say for someone who wants to do what you're doing?

[asdjrocky]

50. This is my first year, and I'm still learning but-

I've made about 12 quarts of tomato sauce, the green beens keep really well frozen, the crook neck squash gets eaten or given away before I get to freeze any of it. I'd recommend you check the gardening forum here at DU. You'd be surprised at how many smart and crafty gardeners we have here. And just about all of them can tell you more than me, in fact, if it weren't for that forum, I'd be completely lost.

[ColbertWatcher]

53. "I'd recommend you check the gardening forum"

Thank you.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=246

[asdjrocky]

56. Oops, sorry CW, should have put a link in there for ya.

What's funny, is these people have given be better gardening advice than anyone on the actual gardening sites I've gone to.

[ColbertWatcher]

57. No worries. n/t

[Ms. Toad]

63. Potatoes are easy to grow

and keep all winter.

[beac]

30. Last Xmas my family made donations to their local food banks instead of exchanging gifts.

(Cash/checks allowed them to buy whatever they needed most.) We'll definitely be doing so again this year, maybe a little earlier than Dec in light of the current situation.

This site allows you to search for your local food bank:

http://www.feedingamerica.org/?show_nce=1

[ColbertWatcher]

34. Thank you for the link!

I was wondering if there was a website that kept track of stuff like that!

[ColbertWatcher]

36. Shopping checklist.

I just made this, please tell me if I should change it in any way.

[Nicole]

37. A couple of additions

Soap, shampoo, toothpaste, disposable diapers, toilet paper, etc. All the things that food stamps won't buy.

Non-food items are in great demand at our local food bank. Some of our clients are on food stamps but can't afford the things I listed.

I volunteer at the food bank & we are hurting! Donations are down while requests are up.

[ColbertWatcher]

38. Thank you! Those are very important as well! n/t

[ColbertWatcher]

39. Would you think that feminine hygiene products be included here?

I really don't know if one can buy these items with food stamps.

[Shallah Kali]

41. Food stamps can't be used in my state, don't know about others

had a disabled friend always borrowing supplies to tide her over until her disablity check came.

Hm Here is a Minnasota food bank's list of non-food items they welcome:

http://www.emergencyfoodshelf.org/HowToHelp/DonateHygieneAndHouseholdEssentials.aspx

f you would like to make a contribution or hold a personal care drive, popularly requested items include:

* Diapers, especially medium and large sizes
* Baby wipes
* Feminine hygiene products
* Toilet paper
* Tissues
* Toothpaste/brushes
* Hairbrushes
* Dental floss
* Deodorant
* Razors
* Shaving cream
* Laundry and dish soap


BTW check the drug store chain sales (CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens) whenever you can as every few months they have free after rebate shampoo, toothbrushes and other misc stuff that can be donated for the cost of sales tax & a stamp leaving more $ to do good with :)

[fight4my3sons]

47. They can't be purchased wtih food stamps.

We were just transitioned off of F.S. The food banks that we have been to also have personal care supplies like soap, feminine hygiene products, diapers, razors, and items like that. Also the items that Oktoberain listed were right on target. She was absolutely right about the powdered milk. My kids will not drink it no matter how hard I try to make it creamy and real milk looking.

[lukasahero]

43. Very nice

Printed it out and taking it with me. Thank you for this!

[ColbertWatcher]

45. You're welcome.

I was thinking that they could be printed, copied and used along with everyone's regular shopping list.

But, it can be used many ways.

[Shallah Kali]

42. A suggestion - check drugstore chains for free-after-rebate offers to donate items

making your donation $ go further. Every few months one or another have shampoo, mouthwash, toothbrushes free after rebate. For the cost of a stamp and sales tax you can get some nice non-food donations very cheap. Rite Aid, CVs and wallgreens all have programs tho I have personally only used RiteAid and CVS. Careful use of ExtraBucks at CVS can have me buying free stuff with extrabucks from other free stuff for months at a go.

[ColbertWatcher]

44. I've never heard of this, thank you for posting! n/t

[Shallah Kali]

69. Here is a site that lists most of the free after rebate stuff each week

http://www.salescircular.com/

Go to the above link, click on your state, when the new pages loads look to the bottom left hand collum to see FREE Stuff and click on that link. This week CVS has offering a new kind of Always free after extra bucks. If your store is out ask for a raincheck. I did this once when they were out of item and they gave me a raincheck which I have forgotten to use :o but the clerk promised would be honored giving me the item for the price of sales tax.

The one problem with this site is they don't include the monthly CVS specials flier which often has things the weekly one does not list. A few months ago CVS had latex-free bandaids free after extra bucks. I think it let me get 4 boxes (!!!!) of 'em so I stocked up and gave them my latex allergic grandmother who never pays attention to these freebies.

[ColbertWatcher]

70. http://www.salescircular.com Thank you! n/t

[ColbertWatcher]

46. Updated Shopping List

Please print it out, make copies to give to your friends, (or leave at your workplace) and don't forget to bring it with you when you go shopping.

[ColbertWatcher]

58. Countdown kick. n/t

[marciamarciamarcia]

48. May I recommend that we supply fresh fruits and veggies and bulk beans/grains

instead of animal products (expensive and not as healthy), packaged, dead, enriched foods?

[ColbertWatcher]

51. Yes!

The shopping list includes items based on posts to this thread, which are also based on what food banks are asking for.

I just wonder if canned foods, etc are requested because they do not need to be refrigerated?

[marciamarciamarcia]

52. Canned stuff is more expensive and unnecessary packaging. Pisses me off to see people buying all

boxes, cans, and wrapped goods. I would love it if soup kitchens really served healthy bean soups and whole grains on the side (brown rice and quinoa, for example) instead of cans of Beefaroni that really make one hungrier, cost a lot, and are not very nutricious. Fruits and veggies can survive lack of refrigeration if used right away.

[ColbertWatcher]

54. OK, I was just posting what other people recommended.

Thank you for your contribution.

[ColbertWatcher]

55. Just an FYI: the first reply from Xipe Totec recommends a CSA ...

... which I've never heard of!

But, it looks interesting, although it doesn't look like it's available everywhere.

Not all food banks are created equal, it seems.

[Ms. Toad]

65. There is a difference between soup kitchens

Where I take homemade goods and fresh fruits/veggies that I expect to be consumed within a day or two, and food banks where I take canned and bagged goods to because the bags/boxes of food provided are expected to last for a week to a month.

[ColbertWatcher]

67. Good point, thank you. n/t

[Sabriel]

73. Beans take a lot of preparation and planning

Where time is a factor, it's easier to open a can.

I agree it's wasteful and more expensive, but reality is reality.

[EFerrari]

59. I found out today that the Tenderloin soup kitchen for seniors can't afford peanut butter.

Working on it. :(

[ColbertWatcher]

60. I hope this country can survive one more Autumn of the GOP, one more winter.

Hang in there people!

Make sure you print out the shopping list on post #46.

Also, see if your food bank will take fresh fruits and veggies!

[EFerrari]

61. Fresh (real) food depends on supply and transportation.

Working on that, too. :)

[ColbertWatcher]

62. DUer "marciamarciamarcia" recommends it! (post #48) n/t

[Ms. Toad]

66. You might want to add tomoato products to the canned list

I don't see much vitamin C in that list - and tomatoes are a good mix with beans and rice and provide necessary vitamin C. They also make good soup stock.

Bags of potatoes are more nutritious than instant mashed, and keep well without refrigeration. Sweet potatoes/yams also keep well without refrigeration and are a good source of vitamins A and C. I would think both would be welcome.

[liquiddaddy]

64. San Antonio Food Bank

They do more than nutrition and food distribution. The assist in Medicaid/TANF/Food Stamp claims for people who need help with the intense paperwork requirements from the state that are designed to deny and discourage claims, often for unlawful immigrant families. They help with CHIPs insurance claims. They do indigent care referrals and coordinate with other programs and agencies.

In the last serious recession I recall, back in 1982-83, (15% unemployment) the biggest problem seemed to hunger. It's hell to be poor and have language, literacy or legal barriers to overcome without help just to get food, medical care, housing or work opportunities.

DU'ers in the area please show them love with a gift of time, food or a contribution.

[ColbertWatcher]

68. ***LATEST SHOPPING LIST***

Includes fresh fruits and veggies.

[fortyfeetunder]

71. Identifying food banks across USA

I didn't see anything in my state forum, though can we post food banks in the states forum in dire need of help?
I need to go look for one, as I have a load of hotel sized toiletries and extra diapers I can get rid of in one trip.

[amyrose2712]

72. If you can't give money, give time...

We give $40 a week to our local food bank.my bf has it taken directly out out his pay check through his job. He works at the FAA and gives the the Combined Federal Contribution(I think thats the name). I plan to also volunteer sometime soon, I am out of work on disability(pending,fingers crossed). We volunteered there last year. They were always so very grateful for the help. Even a few hours a week on a Sat morn. If you can't afford to donate money or food, most places also need people. Hands. Just to stack shelves and unpack food. As much time as any one of us spends in DU Forums in a weeks time would be a huge help.

Edited:Cause it looked like I was patting myself on the back. Which I wasn't.