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
such a good idea…
candy stashak says
hopefully i can do this the 1st of Feb 2014
Anonymous says
Blessings to all who are kind and help those in need.
Lynn Ruley says
Donating to local food pantry..should be in everyone budget !!!!
Walter Imai says
Good post. Great idea!
Anonymous says
My son and I have done this here in Louisville, KY. I hadn't though of the tuna packs! So glad to see others participating in this 😀
Heather Tullos says
You are so cool. Love this!!!!!
Monica Archer says
My kids and I have made these, but we need to make more. Thanks for the reminder!
Anonymous says
I donate to the food cupboard. I know we have homeless but they are hard to spot here.
Marathon Woman says
Thanks so much. I know they are hungry but hesitate to give cash. Can pack some lunches right away.
D Gideon says
Thank you for helping.
Anonymous says
Thank you for sharing this great idea and for all you do.
Suzanne MA says
If everyone did something like this for the hungry or any other program it would help so many people! Thank you for all you do!
Janie says
Wonderful..I know you will make it. I also give food when the post office collects it for local towns and to the Harry Chapin food bank. And don't forget pet food too.
Greta says
What a wonderful idea! It reminds me of one time when a needy person in the subway in NYC was asking for help — anything like spare change or something to eat — and one of my kids gave him a bag of snacks that I had packed for them.
Anonymous says
what a great idea! thank you!
s keough says
bless your heart!
Auntie M says
What a great idea!
Anonymous says
Bless you for this.
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says
It's easy to see why people love you so! You have such a big heart and are so giving. You are a lovely lady filled with great ideas!