"Helping others retain a bit of dignity as they receive these most basic of resouces is paramount to achieving this goal"
How I did it: Ask. First ask yourself if you would eat it, then ask if you think your friends and family would eat it, then buy it and donate it.
Of course calling the local food pantry and soup kitchen and asking specifically what they really, really want is a great way to go. The first reply from any organization is usually "anything" as they are so glad to receive help, but with a little prying you can find out those things they know their guests would greatly appreciate.
Lessons & tips: If don't like it, and your kids don't like it, and no one you know doesn't like it - then others probably won't like it. So don't think you are doing anyone a favor by donating canned asparagus. (gah!)
Resources: Take advantage of coupons and specials, most canned and jarred items keep for over a year so picking up things and holding on to them until a local food drive is a great way to stretch your donation dollars.
Don't be afraid to ask around, tell neighbors, tell friends. Last year Jeero asked and received a carload of items with "store sample" lables on them from the local Williams Sonoma. All it took was a simple request.
7 people found this helpful
Oct 24, 2008, 04:41PM PDT
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