Do you ever find yourself wanting to do more to help those in need but not knowing where to start? Or feeling overwhelmed by the immense need in your community?
I hate the empty feeling of seeing someone in need and looking the other way. Several years ago, I found a simple way of giving back where I’m able.
I keep sack lunches in my car to give away when I see homeless people around my city. It doesn’t take much effort to prepare them and my children like participating too. I usually prepare 10-12 bags at once and keep a few in a bin in my car at any given time.
Giving away these lunch sacks has shown me that when I extend kindness to others I am blessed just by giving. My children get to see that they can help make a difference in someone else’s day and perhaps life.
I often wonder who has been blessed more by this simple kindness, my children and I, or the person who received the sack lunch.
Non-perishable foods keep well in the vehicle for an indefinite period of time. It isn’t about whether the food is organic, all natural or fresh from the garden. Sometimes it is as simple as a package of peanut butter crackers, some applesauce, and a bottle of water. Every little bit helps!
Here are some of the things I’ve packed into our bags:
Cracker packs, with cheese or peanut butter
Fruit or applesauce cups
Vienna sausages
Ready to eat tuna packs
Cereal bars
Soft snack bars (avoid nuts and crunchy granola bars)
Dessert snacks
Bottled water
Napkin
Plastic fork and spoon
Barefeet In The Kitchen has partnered with Feeding America for a Virtual Food Drive. (You can read more about why we chose Feeding America in the original blog post.)
Working together we provided 27,840 meals for the homeless and we are still working to provide more meals. You can help!
Click the link here to donate your spare change; every dollar donated will provide TEN meals for the hungry. If you’re inspired to pack a lunch or two, tuck it into your car and pass it along to the next hungry person you meet.
Anonymous says
GREAT idea! Evelyn
nannyrae2003 says
This is a simple, almost anyone can do idea. I have donated by putting canned goods at my mailbox when the post office has a drive but I'd like to begin using your idea too.
Char Steen says
Cool.
Jeanne Newman says
I've been working with the homeless and hungry poor of New York City for 26 years. The bagged lunch is essential to those who don't know where their next meal will come from. We add hard-boiled eggs to the bag, as well, for added protein…another non-food idea which our friends on the street greatly appreciate is the toiletry kit: hotel-size samples of soaps, shampoos, towels cut into 12'x12" squares, combs, razors (all available in bulk at dollar stores or warehouse stores) packed into gallon-size zip-lock bags. Thanks very much for posting this.
Rose says
Great idea & thanks for sharing! Thanks also for the opportunity to "give" here via comment. Will also be following up with a direct contribution to Feeding America.
Anonymous says
What a great idea!!! I will be packing sack lunches from now on!!!
Erica MomandKiddo says
What a wonderful idea, Mary.
Anonymous says
Great Idea!
Katrina Bahl says
Great great idea Mary! Thank you so much for giving.
Margaret MacKenzie says
A wonderful idea. I have been asked for cash on the street but so not feel comfortable giving it. This is a far more constructive way of helping the homeless. Thank you!
Shinae Choi Robinson says
What a thoughtful way to bring comfort to someone else's day. Thanks for sharing the idea with us, Mary. 🙂
Anonymous says
Thank you for a wonderful idea to help the homeless that even I can afford to do on a fixed income.
Carolyn says
Awesome, Mary! Swinging by to support you!
Cilla says
Awesome idea!
Erin Coyne says
What a great idea to give back to your community and help out someone in need!
Anonymous says
definitely a great idea!
Anna (Hidden Ponies) says
Love this, and need to get these pre-made packs in my van! I usually come across people after grocery shopping and would have to go through my bags to find something convenient/nutritious, this is a MUCH better idea.
Anonymous says
What a blessed thing to do!!
Jim Ingram says
Great Ideas, thanks for sharing!
Anonymous says
I can't think of a more unselfish thing. Thank you to people like yourself