Food Pantry ~ my work

I've been given the right-up-my-alley position of librarian and food pantry organizer at my church. Yesterday was my first day. I was to do inventory on our food pantry items. It was easiest to do inventory by first organizing the food. So I made spots for these items:

Peanut Butter
Grape Jelly
Spaghetti Sauce
Spaghetti
Canned Tuna
Canned Chicken
Canned Soup
Ramen Noodles (Beef & Chicken flavored)
Rice
Pinto Beans
Canned Corn
Canned Green Beans
Mac and Cheese

I list these here because I think these are ideal for a package. I also want to add Chili (to have another meat item), Crackers (for people who don't have bread), Tuna & Chicken Lunch Kits, and those soups that are in their own bowl-like or mug-like container and just need boiling water poured over them. 

The items that could be given to truly homeless people, (those who don't have access to cook) are Tuna and Chicken Lunch Kits, Peanut Butter, Jelly, Crackers, Ramen Noodles, and the Soups that need only boiling water (I say these last 2 because if it just takes boiling water poured over, I am hopeful they could find access to that. Maybe even, the church could have heated water to share when they come get their food). 

Just ideas going on in my head. Anyone else had experience with a food pantry? I will say that it also gives me ideas for family living on survival level.

Linked at:
The Better Mom, Time Warp Wife, Growing Home, True Aim Education, We Are That Family, Women Living Well, lowercase letters, Passionate and Creative Homemaking, Consider the Lilies, Raising Homemakers 

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Healthy Dieting & Holiday Baking

Ever since I met my husband, I have been gaining weight..and for a good cause, because me being plump is a result of my happiness. Yet, another reason is because I am on a medication that has a side effect of weight gain. Therefore, knowing that I am healthier because of joy than I have ever been, but wanting to shed some weight, I am cutting down on carbs and processed sugar. Meats, cheese, nuts & nut butter, and fruit are my main foods. I drink tea with lemon and sweet & low as my main beverage. The main difference is not eating breads (although I allow low calorie saltine crackers), pastas, rice, potatoes, and desserts.


I am glad because so often when I diet, I go to the extreme and can't stick to it. But I have been faithful for a week and a half so far. And this diet is a lifestyle change I want to continue.

I have decided to allow 2 weeks at Christmas time, 1 week at Valentines, and 1 week at Easter to go all out in baking and cooking savory and sweet treats and let myself indulge during these 4 weeks each year. Otherwise, I plan to stay on my low-carb diet.

image from here