If this is your first time visiting Barefeet In The Kitchen, you might be impressed with pretty pictures of delicious sounding recipes. These are not the recipes I remember from my childhood.
As I was growing up, my family was often blessed by food gifts from charity. I hardly knew the difference between a food pantry and the grocery store.
I simply knew that food was coming into the house and that made everyone happy.
I remember watching my mother cry over a gift of groceries. I recall being speechless with joy over a huge bag of day-old doughnuts, because I couldn’t recall having a doughnut before that day.
The doughnuts were part of a food box that my mother stood in line for every Tuesday afternoon. She would bring them home and sort them. She set aside the doughnuts that were still whole on a plate to be a special dessert that night.
The doughnuts that were smashed were chopped up and allowed to dry out overnight. The next day she made them into “doughnut pudding,” a simple bread pudding without added sugar.
I learned a lot from countless meals of plain beans and rice. I learned to be grateful for every single thing in my life. Though I grew up poor, I was richly blessed and I never went to bed hungry.
There may never be anything more beautiful to me than a full pantry. The monotony of grocery shopping as an adult is countered by the overwhelming gratitude that I am able to go to the store and purchase what we need every week.
I don’t take for granted the fact that we don’t have to weigh the cost of new shoes against whether or not we’ll be able to purchase our food.
Every dollar you give through our Virtual Food Drive helps provides EIGHT meals for people in need. We can work together to make a HUGE impact in many lives this holiday season!
Feeding America is the leading domestic hunger-relief organization, with over 200 food banks serving every state. Those food banks provide food and groceries to 33,500 food pantries, 4,500 soup kitchen, and 3,600 emergency shelters.
Follow this link to Barefeet In The Kitchen’s Virtual Food Drive. It only takes a moment to donate and you really can make a difference!
THANK YOU SO MUCH for your gift to help feed the hungry this holiday season!
I researched a great many charities before deciding to work with Feeding America. Feeding America spends 97.9% of their budget directly on food distribution endeavors. You can examine their ranking among other charities here.
Through Feeding America we can accomplish the most with even the smallest of gifts. Even if you only have a dollar to give, you can make a difference through our Virtual Food Drive!
Anonymous says
Such a wonderful thing you are doing!
Unknown says
As the weather gets cooler, it seems our needs become greater. May our hearts follow this pattern as well.
Anonymous says
Thank you for giving to those who are in need!
Kristi
Anonymous says
God Bless you for all you do Happy Thanksgiving to all
Anonymous says
This is a wonderful thing you are doing
Anonymous says
You're helping make the world a better place. Thank you. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Anonymous says
Thank you for giving back and for your fabulous recipes. Happy Thanksgiving!
Anonymous says
I am glad that you have happy memories from recieving food at Thanksgiving. I didn't realize we were actually poor until our family got one. My mom could make good food out of just about anything. I see the food that is given out at the local food pantry and wonder if anyone knows how to cook, it's all prepared stuff. I remember the cheese, dry milk and egg and stuff the g'ment gave out with better fondness.
Jenn S says
Very touching post, Mary.. I knew you were an amazing person 🙂
Anonymous says
Love your blog even more than I already did when I see the charitable person behind it.
Anonymous says
God Blessed those in need with you!
Anonymous says
What a great idea! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Joyce says
Thank you for all you do.
Annette Shaw says
Thank you for all that you are doing for others!
Anna says
Beautiful post, and a wonderful cause – there is so much need in our own backyards.
Christina Conte says
What a wonderful thing to do, Mary! God bless you!! Christina @Christina's Cucina
Anonymous says
May God Bless you for helping those less fortunate! Wish I could donate too, but have our own financial struggles right now. ~Deb B in Maine
Anonymous says
what a generous thing to do.
Ashley | CenterCutCook says
You have such a big heart Mary, and I admire you for that! Happy Thanksgiving! xo
Anonymous says
Thanks for the opportunity to share in your giving…