Hello everyone! There seems to be some confusion about the cost breakdown on this video. I did not include the cost of the box items from the food pantry because they would have been free for anyone picking up the box. I shopped at Walmart in order to recreate the box. Although the additional items I added to make the meals I already had in the house, I did add the cost of those ingredients to my total spent - which was $37 total. So if you had $37 to add to the items in the box, you could make these same exact meals. All that being said, every food pantry is different and there is no guarantee that this is what you will end up with. After speaking with Jessica, who runs the food pantry, she said so many times people get the box and have no idea how to cook with beans or a bag of potatoes or a whole turkey. My whole goal is to help people learn how to incorporate these services and foods and how to put together inexpensive meals that taste good. Thank you!
Hey Christine, thank you for all your budget videos its helped me come along way to feeding my small family of 4.😁 I wanted to ask if maybe someday you could help us people who are lactose intolerant with some budget meals, please. Thank you again!
This was a great video! The stuff you can get from food pantries can be a bit odd ball. When my dad lost his job a couple of times when I was a kid we just ran out of money for food. We had to use the food pantry a couple of times. We lived in a nice house and had cell phones and not new cars but not hoopties. This video is going to help a lot of people.
Thank you so much for this. Since my hubby's stroke 4 yrs ago we've been struggling financially and rely on food pantries a fair amount now. The box you had is pretty representive of the one's we get - though I'd love to get a turkey since our protein is usually limited to a couple cans of tuna and occasionally a jar of peanut butter. It's learning how to make a variety of meals with limited types of ingredients that I've have the biggest problem with, so thanks for all of the ideas. *NOTE* : the really large cans/containers are probably coming from institutional kitchens or restaurants. We received *huge* containers of oatmeal when a seniors home in our area re-located and giant-size containers of salsa when a restaurant closed hahaha Fortunately we love both and both are pretty versatile.
If you know that potatoes, pasta and beans go in every box, perhaps you could come up with some easy to do recipes they can make, in a small hand out. Offer recipes that have add-ons that are inexpensive. Also put in tips and suggestions for ways to build their own pantry with little money. You could even talk to your local churches to see if they could do a "spice" drive to help.
It is very VERY important that we check our biases on how things look. When my mother escaped her severely abusive husband with my younger sister and Me we had a brand new car and nice clothes and literally NOTHING else. I’m glad you added that clip in.
Also especially this past year with so many losing their jobs. They probably do have nice things because they were able to afford them with their prior income.
Absolutely true, I am glad you guys made it out safely! Some people might also take their only good jeans to give themselves a bit of dignity when out in public, you never know.
I watched an interview from someone in the system, forster child and now a foster mom, and she talked about how even as a poor person who lives paycheck to paycheck and uses foodbanks, poor people are allowed to have nice things. Poor people still get gifts, so they may have a gucci bag or a nicer car or nice makeup. Poor people dont have to look like trash, and I say poor people like people who are struggling.
When I was at my poorest if someone I knew was tone deaf enough to gift me a Gucci bag, I’d sell it. I don’t judge people on assistance who have nice clothes, cars, etc, but when you’re truly down and out frivolous luxury items are a months rent or a car payment. Choices....
@@jasmineleopard7593 I guess they mean it’s good she didn’t take a box she doesn’t need just for a video. So that the box can go to someone who will really benefit
@@FrugalFitMom Christine, this is my favorite of your extreme budget challenges because it was hilarious to see you try and make a meal out of some pretty absurd ingredient combinations. I hope you'll continue to do these!
Thank you for all you do. You have given me alot of great additional ideas for stretching our food. I already stretch the food, but it is so nice to have new recipes.
I actually went to this food bank and got this food, extremely grateful. Going through some tough times, which is why I found your channel in the first place
Did you know: Cut potatoes like steak fries or french fries. On a cookie sheet (I use parchment paper because my cookie sheets are old) put two tablespoons or so of oil and "toss" the taters once you cut them. 375 degrees, about half hour, turn them over, bake another half hour (your oven may vary). If you get bored with that, I like taking seasoning salt, pepper and garlic powder on them. Cook them the same way. Dirt cheap, filling and yummy.
I LOVE that you included that part about wondering about the woman's fancy car. Years ago, I overheard 2 thrift shop employees muttering a comment about an older woman who was shopping for cheap, used clothes. The customer had pulled up in a supernice car. One employee muttered to the other, "Why does she shop here if she can drive a car like that?" They didn't count on the old woman having good hearing. She called them out, "I shop here so I can drive a car like that." I got a wicked cackle out of that comeback!
I love this video! Your attitude is so refreshing and down to earth. What the director said about not judging people who come for food is so true. You have NO idea what other people are going through. People who have nice cars may have lost jobs and the pantry is helping them get through a tough time (should they get rid of their car they ruin their chances of getting back on their feet). Don’t judge, you may some day be in the same situation.
I knew a woman who drove a Mercedes to the food stamp office-she and her husband had fallen on really hard times, the car was older but in great condition, and yes, definitely their way of getting a new job and training. It would have been stupid to get rid of it. Wasn't worth that much, at its age. People need to thank God they're not walking through the same things others are, because you never know how bad it really is. They also need to trust that most places make you present your SSN and paperwork, pay stubs, and you have to answer an extensive set of questions to get food stamps. Every step you take is investigated.
People just love to comment no matter what. I recently got a used luxury car (paid cash) and my neighbor asked my husband why he didn't get me a new car. Ugh, cuz I don't want to stay up at night worrying about car payments. And this is a big upgrade from my typical used Honda civics. You can never keep up with Jones's, lol.
That's so true! We have many people picking up for other people in our food pantries, and our drive-thru you may or may not have nice brand new cars or old beaters. I'd say it's easier for the volunteers to load the new cars, bcz sometimes the older cars stall while they are waiting for the food, we've had some that needed a jump!
Absolutely! Been there. We needed help after my husband lost his job. I was so insecure and embarrassed the first trip, but everyone was so kind and there were no judgements. It did a lot to lift my spirits.
If your celery is limp, cut off the top and bottom, lay in a dish covered in water. It rejuvenates and gets its crunch back! If romaine lettuce goes soft, cut off the end, and place in a cup of with 1 inch of water, it rejuvenates and gets its crunch back! =) (kind of like putting cut flowers in water, same idea)
I love these Extreme Grocery Hauls, especially this one regarding Food Pantries. I know some young people/single parents, trying to feed kids from the local Food Pantries, and I'll get a call "How do I feed my kids with _____?"...Now I've started sending them to your channel, because your attitude is so down-to-earth and not Judging....You are a blessing.
Kitten Lyric how is it fake? She explained that it’s for the extra stuff. Most people aren’t eating just from the food pantry, they are using it to supplement their groceries
Hi from México! With the refried beans you can make "molletes"... Thats Just like the pizzas you made , but instead of tomato sauce you put the refried beans and the cheese on top, then to the oven... You eat it with salsa and or avocado 🤤🤤 Super Easy and delicious
Love love love mexican molletes - i cant eat tomatoes or tomato products. Thanks for sharing this recipe.!!😍😍😍 God bless you from grandma Katie in Oregon
I benefitted from a program like this many years ago as a dv survivor leaving with my 4 kids. I will forever be grateful to the kindness I was shown. ❤
What an amazing place. It’s nice they don’t question people. I remember when I needed food help, my local pantry made me do an hour long interview, and told me because I didn’t have kids, they didn’t understand why I was struggling so much. It really hurt. You are an amazing lady and teaching people how to stretch money , when they may feel hopeless, and not judging people for not eating crazy healthy meals.
oh man, can I relate! Here, if you have anything worth any money, vehicle cpmputer etc, it is an asset & counts against you. Sell it to pay the bills, now you don't qualify because you sold it. Aweful humiliating, infuriating experiences. So I live on $800 ssi a month (disabled) & qualify for no assistance, since I am a single female. It is too much to find a ride & bring all the paperwork & interviews just to get a couple cans of whatever & a head of cabbage which I cannot stand, at the food pantry. This was an awesome box.
That's crazy, I've been to many Food Banks and have never been asked why I need food! I had to apply at the Salvation Army but that was it. I even received help to pay a bill from Catholic Charities, they understood we needed help.
I bet that made them feel so superior... everyone has had slim times. Some people just had help in other places...they may not have even been aware of it.
I was laid off. Renter so no Save Your Home program for me. Worked 2 part-time jobs cuz I couldn't find a full-time. Could barely make rent and utilities. Working 7 days and still trying to find a full-time job with insurance. Decided to apply for foodstamps. No kids. I qualified for $16 a month and I had to fight for that. Apparently my sister was obligated to feed me as I had no living parents.
I grew up poor, received food boxes from our church on occasion. We ate everything on rice! We never knew we were poor, we always had what we needed! In college I fell back on how my mom stretched food - My husband and I are retired in our 50’s partly due to the lessons learned from growing up very frugal! These videos are fantastic!! Love your channel
I grew up depending on the food box. Even in my adult life I had have to rely on it a few times. I started crying as soon as you explained what you are doing. Thank you.
I love how real you are. It is refreshing to see relatable content instead of glamorous/expensive foods catered for social media. I am thankful to have found your channel. Keep up the good work :)
I love this idea! I'm graduating this May as a Dietetics major. Last semester I had to complete a community project and volunteered at my local food pantry. I made balanced meals only using ingredients found at the pantry. I restricted myself because all the families there were different, so no outside ingredients, but I encouraged them to be creative if they had the means to. My Mac n cheese soup with cabbage salad was a great hit. Boxed Mac n cheese, canned veggies and canned chicken with milk and spices. Cabbage salad mixed with olive oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, and mustard as the dressing. For dessert, I let everyone pick whatever fruit was given that day. I want to say thank you for doing this challenge because it brings awareness to food insecurity, using what you have, food waste, and those with food insecurity, their nutriton intake. It is possible to have adequate nutriton intake without buying only organic, or the fancy "fake" trendy foods. This project meant a lot to me and changed my views on food insecurity that I will carry throughout my career. 😁
Bless you for teaching them! I so want to be able to do that at my food pantry. Many people don’t know how to mix things and make a good, well balanced meal. It’s intimidating to them.
Great idea with teh macaroni soup -- sounds tasty. And important that you planned an easy and accessible meal. Some families don't have funds for extra ingredients and may not have the kitchen "gadgets" that many of us take for granted like instant pots, food processors etc that make it easier to make things from scratch and stretch the budget.
I love that they don't have to prove they don't have the means to afford food. Sometimes people have to make a choice between food and a bill. It's sad. You are all amazing!!! Thanks for doing your part.
Right?!?! I think it keeps some people away too. Folks have their pride, why force them to admit they need help. It's nobody's business. Could you imagine turning someone away?
My mom had 4 kids...when we left and had our own places my favorite Christmas gift was a special food box from mom. One year my husband and I literally spent our entire paychecks on Christmas presents because he always got a money gift from his boss. What a shock when his boss gave him a gift and not money that year. I was so panicked. My lerally got down on my knees and thanked God when I opened my mom's food box and my grampy gave me $20. That's what we lived on for the next 2 weeks til we got paid.
When I was growing up, we had to utilize food banks. I remember it being the most exciting time of the month. Some food banks let us "choose" food using a point system, which was exciting. Depending on the amount of people in the family and the ages, you were allotted a certain amount of "points" and each item of food "cost" a certain amount of "points" (ie a canned good would cost 1pt etc). It kind of maintained a regular "shopping experience". My mom used to let my sister and I pick out an item when we went to that program. I'm glad you did this video.
One our local pantries has "point shelves", and ONE "free" shelf. My church volunteered to fill the free shelf with "random" items that some recipients had asked about, simply because SOMETIMES, hope can be found in a can of milk tripe. ❤
@@ywLDSforever I used Google this came up mannafoodbank.ca/get-support/how-it-works/ "The Point System You will be assigned a number of points based on the number of people in your family. You will then be given a grocery list in which items have a point value. Peanut butter is worth 3 points, and canned pasta is worth 1 point, for example."
My local food pantry does something similar. Meats, dairy and frozen is handed out based on family size but breads and vege are what you can fit in the grocery bags alloted to that section. Canned was also limited by family size but most people didn't take all that they could there. Lots of Mac and cheese.
My grandma who was a professional cook when she made mashed potatoes she would use instant and mash up one real potato so it would have lumps. It stretched out the real potatoes for other dishes. But she was embarrassed about using instant so she hid the box in her bedside table so one would find it. My mom did when she was over her house doing the heavy cleaning but knew how her mom is so just put them back and never said anything about it.
You can also break some of the potatoes your cooking with the back of a spoon and stir. That's how my mom would thicken her beans when she was making rice and beans.
@@alexisdandrea7576 That one I knew. The problem was that for the recipe I saw it on, it was WAYYY too watery for even that. I would have had to break all the potatoes
Really respect you for deciding to buy the items on your own and not just taking from the food pantry. Thank you for saving that food for someone in need!
Wrap refried beans up in a tortilla and its a bean burrito. When you are hungry and your wallet or pantry is empty a bowl of refried beans (with a curl of cheese if available) eaten with a spoon is food in your belly.
Im glad she learned not to question people . that was really nice to hear someone speak of something they thought was a mistake and learn from it and not judge Great video
My food budget is always super high and watching you prepare all of these affordable meals is helping me get it under control so I can save more money for a rainy day. Thank you!
I've been on the receiving end of a good pantry box. Many of the times there were a lot of random things put into the box. Lol made some strange meals but husband and kids were fed. I absolutely love this video. Lots of ideas
I talked to my local food bank about the items in boxes and they said it's intended as a supplement, not a replacement and they assume you are still spending 10-20 on food a week to flesh out the boxes.
I (as an old, fat, retired fart) often like to eat on a budget even though I don't really have to. I like to grow some of my "easy" veggies. Example: I buy a bunch of green onions (scallions), eat them down close to the root, then plant them. Rather than pulling them out when mature (a month or two later) I just cut them off at ground level, eat the harvest and let them grow over and over again. I do this with other foods too. Also cool to harvest "FREE" foods like weeds: dandelions, etc. Thanks for your excellent videos. I'm a new subscriber.
I think you did an amazing job explaining! Without going to the food pantry it should be about 95.40+37=132.70 if you bought all the ingridents yourself. This is awesome, definitely for someone like me that is in college. If it was 132.70 for 6 people for about 2 weeks, that could last me 2 months or more for all lunches and dinners And most breakfast. For 132.70, that’s amazing!! Thank you so much! 🖤😍
I took actual notes on your last video like this. When this popped up I was like “How does she do it?!” You are amazing! God has used you to help so many people. Jesus bless you
We receive food boxes for holidays and during school breaks. Sometimes I am at a loss for how to use some of the ingredients. Watching your videos have been so amazing. Your last extreme budget haul was a life saver and got my family of 6 through the last week of a tight month. Thank you for making these videos! I have been learning so much, and as I teacher I always love learning something new.
When you have ingredients you don't know what to do with just Google them together and you would be surprised how many ideas are out there. You can even substitute some of the rest of the stuff and make it work. Good luck !
if she can spend $37 on a family of 6, I can spend $20 a week rather than burn my money of fast food because I'm lazy. Lazy is making me broke lol (I could even do $10 but I live in WA)
Take it from me fast food is also killing you 4 heart attacks and 9 stents later from eating fast food most of my adult life...make your own and have a healthy life.
@@DaveS1969 ah, I didnt make it clear when I had wrote the fast food hahah I only got fast food once a week back then because I was in a wheelchair at the time. Definently cook at home :) I was more so ordering from the sushi place down the street every couple days hurtin my wallet
Churches also have food pantries. i bring food all the time and they tell you what is needed. They can be a blessing to many who loose a job, or become ill etc. I grew up in a family of 8 and only dad worked outside the home. Mom could turn things into masterpieces with basic ingredients. I am grateful she taught me how to cook and stretch ingredients and I keep a stocked pantry when things are on sale. I enjoyed your video. Potatoes, pasta, eggs-and rice were a staple and still always on hand.
A few years ago, I started making cornbread waffles and putting my homemade chili on top with all the usual fixings I would use for tacos. It was a huge hit with my family. We also like to do a baked potato bar with chili with the toppings. Cheap and filling plus it stretches really well.
"Split pea soup eww"?! OMG... it's soooo goood! 🤣 Also, I LOVE this video. What a great way to 1. Bring awareness to food insecurity in our country, and 2. Give everyone some great ideas on how to get creative with meal prep. I would love to see a plant-based version of one of these "x # of meals for $xxx" videos since my family and I don't eat any animal products.
What an amazing thing to do for people. I cannot lie I teared up a lil watching this. So many people who struggle and sometimes people who don't struggle as much forget this! I can't lie I was a very... say ignorant as a young adult. Grew up doing ok. Didn't eat caviar but don't remember being "hungry." I didn't realize until I was 18 and moved to a VERY SMALL TOWN in the northeast part of AZ. Many many kind amazing people there but there was also alot of extreme poverty. Please remember to be kind and also that just because your table may be full does not mean your neighbors table is! Happy side note... team chunky! 😉
Refried Beans: With eggs in the morning. OR: Amazing breakfast tacos: Diced potatoes - about a quarter of a inch Diced Tomatoes - same as above Garlic Serrano Pepper to taste Eggs Salt Cook potatoes in a bit of oil till mid way soft, add all your ingredients except eggs. Once they are soft add eggs and mix. Heat your tortilla, put refried beans, your egg and potato mixture. Add salsa or Cholula. Youre Welcome!
I think distribution has gotten a lot better than in past decades, at least judged by my conversations with a local food bank admin. A lot more food that would have been wasted is making it into donation boxes instead and they've been working to make a lot of corporate partnerships to collect things like packaged goods the machines spat out that weren't the right weight. Still edible but not saleable. The company can take the tax write off for the donation and save on expenses for pitching it.
I agree with you..I had to get food boxes when my son was young and they weren't even close to what they give there. We made it work and I was thankful to be able to feed my son. To this day our local food bank makes you go thru an interview and they check your income, and how much you get depends on your family size.
Christine, I just started watching your videos and It's so evident that you have a heart for ensuring people are fed. Food insecurity is very real in the US and even more prevalent across the world. Keep up the great videos!
The food pantry helped me out so much when I first became a single mom. I only went once but when I did I couldn’t help but cry my eyes out with my little one the entire time LOL! I couldn’t believe how much they gave. It was typically a lot of about to expire fresh food. So those premade salads, or the discounted breads that you see at Walmart. Even cakes! I’m still too cheap to splurge my money on that stuff, It was truly a wonderful experience in a horrible time.
As someone that has been blessed by food boxes many times through the years, thank you so much for all the help you give to your local food pantry. And thank you to any of your viewers that volunteer or donate at food pantries!
I remember when my family hit hard times whilst i was in high school. My mom was ashamed to go to a food bank but a lovely neighbor went on their own and surprised us with boxes. I'd get so happy to receive fresh vegetables 🤗. This is a great video ❤
Idea for using apples in an easy, multi-purpose way: I make what I call 'skinny apple pie' -- slice up apples like you would for a pie, dump them on a pie plate or pan, and top with maple syrup (I use SF syrup), then sprinkle liberally with cinnamon and a bit of pumpkin pie spice, stir. Bake for 45 min at 350. These are amazing on top of oatmeal, great low-cal dessert just in a bowl with a squirt of whipped cream and chopped walnuts, or a spoonful on canned croissant, roll up and bake, then drizzle with a little sugar glaze.
Another thing you can do is apple butter that is amazing on top of oatmeal and yogurt. It's just sliced apples water and cinnamon in a crockpot on low. Bonus makes you house smell amazing 😊
I absolutely LOVE that the group you volunteer for makes it a point not to judge, that program sounds amazing! Far too often I see hungry people denied because of their appearance but looks can always be deceiving. You guys are great! Keep up the good work!
What a great idea to help inspire the families that receive these boxes to make use of what they have been given. I am gonna try several of these recipes and you always inspire me to use the food that I have.
This is a great video! We’ve been in the position of getting help from our church for awhile. I’ve always been grateful but seeing that box it really reminded me how lucky we’ve been and how generous our church is! To clarify all food systems are incredibly generous. Being a Latter Day Saint we received A LOT of food anytime we’ve needed it and very cohesive ingredients to put together meals. A huge blessing the times my husband has been out of work and last year they cut hours drastically for several months and a couple trips to Bishop storehouse provided plenty!
I've been getting help from the church, too. How do you turn the humiliation of needing that help into gratitude? While I'm thankful for the option to be helped in taking care of myself, it really hurts my pride. ... I'm working on it.
vanessa noakes my husband really struggled with it at first. We had( still have) 5 kids to feed and we’ve always been active and involved and willing to serve in return. That alone is very empowering. To know that we’re cleaning the church or baking a cake or something for someone or my husband and older kids helping someone move gives it a feeling of contributing back. Also knowing we were doing our best. Our bishop actually encouraged my husband to stop working so much overtime when he started working to still be available for church and family. When my husband started working he felt the need to go into over drive and work 70 hours to not need help, and he still falls into that. Our bishop sweetly and gently reminds him its more important to see you and give your family some groceries than to risk the estrangement of your testimonies ( we only have 1 car so if he’s working we all don’t get to go). Now he’s been working long enough that we can make it except on a couple of occasions where major things have happened ( last year my husband had kidney stones and missed a full week of work 😳). The loving reminders of charity and grace help. And we continuously seek out lessons to improve our self reliance. This channel has been huge for me. Just remember that Heavenly Father loves us no matter what state our finances are in and he will guide us to the people and areas we need to gain knowledge and power to improve! 😘 Good luck and hang in there, it’s a season of life and it will change!
I think it is so humble that you shop frugally while also donating your time at the food pantry to help others. Not surprised that's thanks to being raised in a family that needed to be frugal. The people I meet, a lot of times they don't do this unless theyve experienced it themselves growing up and really know what a privilege it is to have food/financial security. Anyways, love your videos! Just subbed and can't stop watching at the remarkable work you do!
Volunteering is always such an eye-opening experience. My food pantry (for my fairly well-to-do town...I'm a townie, so the fact that it's so expensive now is odd for me) is two blocks from my house, and it was shocking (at first) how many people you wouldn't expect needed help who truly do, and it's great to see so many volunteers there!
Yeah, I wish she had pointed out that those would have been decent nights to skip trying to find an extra protein source, if people wanted to stretch their potentially more expensive animal products further. Still a fun and engaging video, though!
Family favorite is bean enchiladas! Corn tortillas filled with refried beans and cheese. Fill a 9x13 pan then pour a can of enchilada sauce over them all and top with cheese. Bake until hot. I make one pan with green sauce and one with red sauce. We have them a few times a week. Quick and easy and meatless!
Longest and best video. Please don’t ever stop. You are a saint giving hope to so many people. Because of you they can survive with limited resources. You are an angel
This week was the first week I've had to go to my food pantry and put my hand up for help when just 3 months ago I was the one 'helping where I could' I was extremely embarrassed but I'd rather be embarrassed than my kiddos to go hungry. Life happens 😞
There is no shame in needing help. The shame is in the attitudes of people that think needing help is a failure. Taking care of your family is job 1, no matter what it takes. Another time, you'll be back to the other side of the table, and have even more empathy for your experiences.
Wow. Real tears. I’m so blessed to never have experienced hunger and this video was such an inspiration!! We never know the struggle someone else is experiencing. Thanks for sharing!!
I haven’t watched this yet, but wow!! Love how you are highlighting how important food banks are to some people and giving them and us ideas on what to do with it all. Great job x
Adding the $40 worth of items you had on hand only added $.95/person/day - I love 💓 love these changes which make me think more creatively about cooking, storing, buying food and other items. Great video !
That food pantry is fantastic!! I volunteer at our local pantry. You have to have everything but your underwear size to get so much as a grain of corn!! I know there are people that take and take and don't need. But there are MANY that are in terrible need. Some people just can't get all the paperwork together before the food is gone. It's ridiculous!!!!
I agree theres a food pantry nearby my work place and i feel a certain way bcuz i see ppl coming out of there with huge boxes of food and placing them into luxury cars and suv and i feel that theyre taking away from ppl who truly need it
@@letrice2892 I used to think the same way. My hubby became very, very ill and it turned our life upside down within two months. We didn't have a luxury car, but we did have a car that some might have judged us on that a family member helped us get with a personal loan. He needed it to get to his treatment in the city since our work truck wouldn't fit in the garage. The only reason we were able to hold it together was because we had 0 credit card debt before, and people were very kind donating to our family. It's two years and we are finally gaining traction in recovering financially. Hubby is doing wonderfully health wise! But it was really eye opening. Lots of people are upside down on their car loans and it would be worse to get an unreliable beater than to give their car back that they're paying on, if they aren't handy. And when you don't have much to work with, you can't really buy a beater anyway. 😞
@Lisa Kaye, that's sad. A lot of people don't even know how to go about getting all the necessary paperwork. I think all pantries should operate as this one did in the video. It isn't anyone's place to judge another. If they are taking food when they don't truly need it I believe karma will catch up to them one day. I couldn't turn anyone away that I felt may be hungry or have hungry kids at home.
I have been treated pretty badly at some food pantries around my area... some places, the workers have become very jaded and treat everyone there like a leech.
I love what this food bank woman said about not judging others even if they pull up in a fancy car wearing expensive clothes. Truer words were never spoken . She's absolutely right! This is a true story , my new neighbors moved from half mile up street from a fancy country club . Him and his wife were literally starving . They'd go to bed hungry & wake up hungry . No money ,no food in their house , credit card debt , credit score busted . But they were both driving fancy leased cars ,wearing thousand dollar clothing. Phony ,fake for appearance. They lived directly across the street from us . He told me on the sidewalk one day how hungry he was and how they'd never starve again just to pretend to be rich ! People will do anything to show wealth to keep up with the jones. Even starve themselves . Happy ending, they turned in their leased cars for mid size used regular cars and rented a house for $1,000a month instead of $5,000 monthly at the phony country club . Now the couple have food in the house and bills paid. . I saw them daily they looked normal but none of us ever knew they were hungry . You got to check on your neighbors. Ask . Love on them
I’m laughing so hard bc this is how I felt with my 17 cans of red beans I got from my food pantry so the red bean recipe you gave us in the other video made me soooo grateful!!! So nice to use what you have!
This is so great! My mom and I relied on food stamps and our church’s food pantry for a season. You’d be surprised at how many people need help for even a short time. I can’t imagine how many your video will help. THANK YOU!
I love this, Christine! I have been on the receiving end of pantry boxes. Thanks for bringing awareness to this subject and showing how you can adapt the food pantry items to make meals with very little out of pocket expenses.
Great video. I always wanted to see how the big food pantries operate. My church food pantry is on a very small scale but does a wonderful job helping the community. Love your recipes.
What a great video idea! This definitely deserves to go "viral". I'm so glad you are bringing food banks to the forefront and showing how to recreate meals using low priced ingredients. Love love love! ❤
Right, the entire video I was like, "taco pizza to use those beans" and she finally did! I would have used a whole can of the beans on burritos alone, but I buy the large burrito sized tortillas at Walmart or Aldi (aldi ones are softer, IMO) and I make 24 burritos and freeze them. I add ground beef, taco seasoning, and cheese and you just cook them on the griddle like she did. I roll mine burrito style though, so closed ends. The more beans you use, the creamier the burrito. and you can use less cheese this way because the creamy beans makes it seem like there is more cheese.
I would have made taco quesadillas. I used to work at a restaurant that made refried beans and bacon quesadillas. It was one of my favorite things. I still make them at home on occasion.
So true. I've had friends over the years that have replied on hampers, and they would complain they got 2 carrots. I'm thinking, "Good! Take these other scraps and make soup!" but using up bits and bobs is a skill like any other. If they haven't learned (I learned on the farm from my Nana), it's hard for them to be creative and think like that.
Use retried beans to make enchilada lasagna. Layer in casserole. Start with tortilla, layer of beans, enchilada sauce (or sauce of your choice) I like to add spinach, some sliced black olives...cheese and just keep layering, top with cheese and bake til hot
Loved this video! This example of using “food pantry... gifted free items” is an educational blessing..... I so know that those dependent on food pantries, and maybe SNAP, (food stamps).... they also need new ideas and examples of stretching it all... An educational and creative post, even if they can’t watch.... but say those volunteering share or provide access to watch the many ways you used the items..... it is huge! Your posting also can teach others about healthy eating and fiscal responsibility! 🙏❤️🙏
You are so creative!! And you have done a great job at training your children to eat whatever you create. I have never used refried beans in my life and I love that you found a way to use it up. And also love that you created some recipes that you will probably use again!! I would never think to make lasagna soup.
These videos are a LIFE SAVER. My family is just my mom, my two brothers and I and my mom is always looking to me to help out with dinner ideas. I love these videos because they give us so many ideas and ways to use up food that we would generally have no idea what to do with. You're amazing!
ETA: you’re my favorite youtuber. I love how you help people and are so down to Earth. God bless you for volunteering there! It’s so appreciated by those of us who need it. I love you having your kids help ❤️ I’m kind of surprised our pantry gives out more. Twice a month, you can drive up for produce, no questions asked. It’s usually carrots, potatoes, and onions, sometimes with other stuff. I try to get some for an older friend who can’t drive. Then, if income approved, we get to go shop in the pantry once a month. I have a two person household. The food is supposed to be for 12 days. It’s definitely more than that. It would be 12 days for your family. I can’t remember the correct amounts on some, but we get: 4 lbs meat, one pound dried beans, one pound rice, one pound pasta, a little sugar and flour, cans of vegetables, cans of fruit, canned tomatoes, cans of more beans or PB, cans of soups, canned meats aka tuna or salmon, fresh milk and eggs if in stock, more fresh vegetables if in stock, boxed macaroni and cheese or hamburger helper, snacks, dressings-salad dressing or sauces or jelly, juice, two rolls of TP, cereal, and mini toiletries. They also have day old bread and desserts daily for anyone. Your turkey corn chowder is like a cheesy chicken soup my Stepmom used to make. Add a can of rotel and cubes of velveeta to melt in. I’m like you, I want more veg and less meat. I add in onion, carrots, and celery to mine. Any kind of green leafy veg is delicious as well. I’ve made it for teacher luncheons at my son’s schools. They love it. And you did a great job cooking that way! One thing I love making with my stuff is fried rice. It’s easy, nutritious, and delicious.
Christine, I am a frequent viewer of your very informative and fun videos and enjoy them. You have the same approach to cooking as I: no waste; use up what you already have; creativity; good taste. This video, however, is especially well-done during these pandemic times because more people are food-insecure and you show how tasty, nutritious, cheap meals can be made.
The amazing thing about a bag of potatoes is that it you keep some aside and cut them up and plant them, you can grow a few potatoes from just one. My grandmother grew up dirt poor and her single mother of 4 kept them alive on a handful of potatoes.
