Freeze Drying Food For The Blessing Box!

[@jasminejacinda8612]

Apples, mangos, bananas, strawberries, etc I’m sure people with small kids would love! This is awesome of you!

[@WhitepepperFarm]

We are definitely planning all the fruits! Those are easy to freeze dry and easy to eat without worrying about rehydrating anything!

[@jasminejacinda8612]

@@WhitepepperFarm I know I was privileged enough to go to a bulk food store and pick out dried fruits and veggies I liked as a kiddo; by you guys doing this you are introducing young kids into a healthy, sustainable lifestyle without even realizing ☺️❤️

[@Illy_20o1]

Also peaches

[@Lexbug2013]

You should Put oranges in the fridge raider🥺👌🏻🙍‍♀️ Oh and happy Valentine’s Day💞💝

[@ritarevell7195]

Peaches.

[@t0xicichig0]

Your freeze dried soup. Just add instructions. I think that would be helpful. Just one bag you can spare would be more than enough

[@WhitepepperFarm]

I was actually talking to my wife about this, we have some tray dividers that will divide soup into portion sizes and then you can divide the weight of water lost by the portions on a try and it will give you the exact water that needs to be added back. If we do soup in the blessing box, this is the route I want to go. So it might take some experimenting with the recipe but this is absolutely a goal for me!

[@seofra8252]

Only do that if it's safe to eat without water. Homeless people don't tend to have the ability to heat water.

[@seofra8252]

Only put the soup in if it's edible as is. Not everybody has a way to get hot water, and not everybody reads. So people would be likely to eat it as is.

[@Objective-Observer]

Option 1: Chili would be a good addition, for families in need, package it to feed 3 people. Option 2: Spaghetti with meat sauce, again, feed three people. Try calling a local diner or burger joint near the pantry, to ask if they will give someone the necessary amount of hot water for the freeze dried soup/chili/pasta and meat sauce- you are putting into the pantry. Then put those directions on the bag. Fruit is nice for kids, but Protein is the most expensive foods. Might I suggest, you consider donating more complex meals to your local food bank: Option 3: Add equal amounts of pasta [elbow macaroni, or bowtie pasta] to your chili , plus a bag of freeze dried cheese to feed 5 or 6 people. Dump it all into one pot and add the suggested amount of hot water. Option 4+ Larger sizes of soup and spaghetti and meat sauce for families. My last suggestion: talk to soup kitchens, and offer to freeze dry their daily left overs, so they have smaller bags to store or hand out. You have an amazing idea! Suggest to the soup kitchens to put a Freeze Dry unit on their wish list, and then teach them how to freeze dry their left overs- that they can pass out, or add to their new soup, as they cook it.

[@SpadeWolfo]

​@@seofra8252if you live in a community where this kind of box exists, chances are there's some local business who would happily give you a cup of hot water to make the soup in. Or churches, typically they're happy to help the homeless population and a cup or bowl with hot water is perfectly easy to give. Plus, even if that idea was a stretch, low income housing environments where people aren't homeless but still struggle with food would be able to massively benefit from this.

[@rebeccaradbourne5651]

Thr fact you done fruit and not junk speaks volumes about your character ❤

[@KARG25]

Yogurt dots freeze dried they're a favorite of toddlers and everyone else.

[@WhitepepperFarm]

I wanted to do some for my toddler and thought about doing extra for the blessing box!

[@kariw.160]

I’m doing these for my ice cream shop!

[@robingirven4570]

Great idea! I’ve got totes full of freeze dried fruit/food. I should share some in our blessing box too.

[@WhitepepperFarm]

Absolutely! I asked our main lady who runs it before putting ours in, just in case. But she was all about it!

[@robingirven4570]

@@WhitepepperFarm I should probably do that too. Thank you

[@aidenclark1821]

@@WhitepepperFarm, when I was in high school I went to the Huntsville space and rocket center, and I finally had the opportunity to try a freeze dried ice cream bar. But it was very expensive, so I only bought two, one for myself and one for my brother when I got back. It wasn’t the best ice cream bar ever, but it was a dream of mine that was finally fulfilled, so maybe you could put some freeze dried ice cream bars in there, it would be great for those like me that never had the opportunity to try one or maybe even for someone who just simply couldn’t afford it. I bet that would really put a smile on a kid’s face.

[@Sylvesterfallone]

I wish my city had a blessing box to donate to! what a wonderful idea

[@seofra8252]

You can make one. They aren't contracted or patented. Just boxes with a clear door. Speak with your city to see if you are allowed to though.

[@SRose-vp6ew]

Most Saint Vincent de Paul‘s have these. Also if you go into Saint Vincent de Paul they have programs for those who can’t afford to buy the resale there. It’s really good to buy from them, they truly give back.

[@Vg41136]

Than you for helping the comunity I love putting beans and dry pasta pasta sauce and soap

[@stephanie5878]

Freeze dried bananas... Those things are great! And if anyone with toddlers stops by it will be a hit. Im convinced all toddlers love bananas 😂

[@WhitepepperFarm]

My toddler is CRAZY about bananas! I’m sure all toddlers are haha! Bananas are on the list!

[@shrowomi691]

Freeze-dried fruit is an amazing snack for small children has a good shelf life and helps people meet nutritional needs! It's enjoyable with and without teeth and lighter and easier to eat than dehydrated fruit. The people in your community would love it

[@coolrat38]

I didnt even inow this existed, but i love it! I think a blessing box is such a good and kind idea! 💯

[@NoName-he8zj]

Blessing box...thats amazing

[@Queenofthemean]

I would be pumped if I went to one of these and some soup was in there especially for a cold day.

[@live_lavu1131]

Fruit for sure, a great idea! Anything with noodles or rice. Foods that would be good if you added water and didnt re heat. For those who dont have a way to reheat foods. I love this because as someone who's been homeless, it can be so hard! I would love to do this someday because i really think that not only having food but food that you can keep easy and make easily could be the biggest difference to someone! ❤

[@n.h.k.7039]

Dried berries would be great. They can be used in smoothies, in cereals, yogurt etc. That’s such a nice project!

[@MikaelaJoArroyo]

I wish my community did something like this. I would absolutely love this where I live. In fact, I think every community should have something like this. This would be amazing for so many families!!!!!

[@nicolicolicolie]

So many things. Freeze dried fruit for easy snacks for kids. Freeze dried soups that are easy meal. Freeze dried veggies for meals that can be added in. You are beautiful

[@OriginalMeanGirl]

This is so amazing! Thank you and your sweet wife for your kindness! ❤

[@ScootersArtDiary]

Ooh this is such a great idea! Fruit costs so much so I’m sure someone was thrilled to find the freezer dried apples! Plus I imagine their shelf life is longer too!!

[@K_i_t_t_y84]

Since they take toiletries, feminine hygiene products are desperately needed in most situations like this, so along with the lovely food, tampons and pads would also be very beneficial. ❤🙏✨

[@WhitepepperFarm]

100%, absolutely!

[@elliee884]

@@WhitepepperFarm ideally non-freeze dried ones lol

[@noratakesovertheworld]

​@@elliee884 😭😭

[@Layla_dti]

Yes that is an amazing idea

[@mariamedina1454]

The pads can be used as bandaid also. So yes very useful and yes. Very much needed

[@KoriEmerson]

When my husband was unemployed for almost 2 years i would have loved those for my kids. Anything for something that was different for them. Please every once in a while make a birthday box or something like that for freeze dried candy. My daughter's only wish for her birthday was freeze dried skittles. I saved every nickle penny and dime i saw until i had the 6.00 to get them. 🎉🎉🎉 best birthday ever.

[@JohanJolos]

why are you having kids when you can't even manage yourself? I don't even pick up a pet because I can't manage that and you're going to make your own blood suffer because of your inability to consider the future? because of your selfish desire for temporary satisfaction? as someone who grew up with shit parents let me just say, you're a hell of a piece of work and you better try damn hard raising your kid or they will hate you for the bullshit you've brought them into

[@vardhamanist]

This box should be everywhere, where needies are! Bless you brother 🙏❤ #❤peace🌍🌏🌎

[@lisawermuth3572]

Strawberries are my favorite! Thats very kind of you to donate💞🙏

[@lauratremblay8947]

I'm so impressed. A blessing box!! So sweet!!

[@vickifox9753]

AWESOME IDEA!!! More cities need to do this!!!

[@FieryHammer]

So nice to see there are places like this where this works. In my country these would be camped and robbed clean by the same people over and over again :(

[@wendy645]

I'm in the US and I'm convinced that this would happen in my town, too. 🥺

[@machazychaz]

Fruits and veggies in general will give a nice nutritional boost and carry nostalgic flavours.

[@WhitepepperFarm]

Doing a load this week!

[@kelleydavis7017]

I think you should definitely put some of your freeze-dried meals in there. That would help people out a lot.

[@jend8759]

This is a wonderful idea. Thank you for doing this! 😊

[@clarezajac3276]

I would love to put up a box like this in my local city area where there's a lot of college kids , and then also population of older people. It would be so much of a lifesaver for people

[@darlamercer4078]

You can try any vegetable or fruit. Bless the Littles with more fruit!

[@fredmanie2926]

Anything you won't use, you'd be surprised, we have one at work and I've never seen anything sit in there longer than a day or two, but a note explaining what it is and any allergens is a good idea!!!

[@DeathyAS]

Mixed vegetables for soups would be awesome too.

[@crystal4447]

Oh my goodness! What a great idea 💡! I watch a couple who walk the entire country during the Summer. They actually freeze dry stews, soups, fruit! 🍉 But I would recommend Pineapple! 🍍 Because it’s my favorite! 🤩 ❤😊

[@karenf14]

Apples are my favorite. I sprinkle them with apple pie seasoning or cinnamon before freeze drying. I also cook them with cinnamon to make applesauce. After freeze drying i cut in squares. I use fresh apples in the fall when they're 59 cents /#, and are naturally sweet

[@Ourfightisreal]

Yaaasssssss! Bc a lot of ppl can just add water to it and make a meal that would BE AWESOME!! And amazing !! To fill it all up!! And add packs of water

[@laceygold]

Don't forget to write on the bag how long they last - years usually. That's a special thing you're doing ❤

[@WhitepepperFarm]

We ended up doing that after filming! You can see it when we leave it there, it was definitely something we thought about last second 😂. Eggs are going next I think!

[@lovelysakurapetalsyt]

I wish my area had a place like this. I'd love any kind of fruit, even freeze dried fruit, at this point

[@Aarbitraary]

I wish I had a blessing box nearby. There were times where i've needed some things in the past, And now I have a bunch of stuff i'm able to give away.

[@piratekit3941]

I loved dehydrated apples as a kid so much. Freeze dried apples are like candy! Sounds like a great snack

[@bookworms77]

Freeze dried eggs/milk. I love our local take/give box but as it's not refrigerated I was looking at freeze driers for the purpose of taking items that usually need refrigerated and turning them into shelf stable items.

[@AllenTax]

Vaccume sealed cotton candy😊. Same to instant coffee. Maybe some flavored powdered creamers. Jazelnut,italian sweet cream,banana. Maybe some eggnog.

[@susielisle922]

Wonderful of you!

[@kander14v90]

Mango, and strawberries are so yummy!

[@callagothly]

the froze dried apples probably went to someone with a young child... do some more that is very nice

[@WhitepepperFarm]

I know our children LOVE them, so I hope so. We plan to! We started with just the one bag because we were unsure if anyone would take it. Next time we will put more in!

[@Yahlove578]

How lovely bless you

[@emilymoore7350]

Toilet paper, laundry detergent, dish soap, paper towels. Most needed and not covered by food stamps.

[@bullseye2583]

I bet some freeze dried candy would be good, some sweets could bring so much joy and happiness to less fortunate people especially with children

[@kaylaburgess8357]

I love freeze dried apples. My favorite!!

[@mariamedina1454]

Thankyou for doing this. I remember when we relied on the food bank and they asked us what we wanted for Christmas. I asked for a fresh pineapple

[@AlissaSss23]

Beautiful gesture, keep it up ❤

[@keepingupwithcarson]

The freeze dried gummies and candies were such a big hit with the children at Christmas this year. Maybe some smaller bags of those so people can try them? They can be very very expensive to purchase and they are quite viral

[@carebear5343]

Yes! I would love that so much!

[@OrganiclyB]

Hiii I have a question, did someone have to ask the city to put up the blessing box? That’s a really good idea ❤

[@WhitepepperFarm]

I’m honestly unsure of how it began, it’s been here since I’ve lived here. I know that it is behind the fire station and the city has it sitting on a nice looking pad and they put in a sidewalk leading right to it. I know that the city has helped with the upkeep of it and that they support it, but I’m unsure if it was them who started it. If it was me and I wanted to do this now, I would first contact the city to see if they will let you, then just get it started. Put up SOMETHING for people to put food in, and promote it on your cities Facebook pages (almost every city has these!). Ours is very much ran through a Facebook page for our city. Anytime the box is low on food someone posts it and it gets filled by people that day. I knew the apples were gone within two hours because the lady who helps run it told me they had been taken. It might start out slow, but as word spreads it will become something everyone uses!

[@OrganiclyB]

@@WhitepepperFarm okay sounds good, thank you so much 💕

[@TraeSMR]

​@@WhitepepperFarmDamn, sounds like you like you live in a city adjacent to a massive Air Force Base... Maybe I happen to fill this exact blessing box with my wife every so often...

[@Gert169]

GOOGLE THE QUESTION AND YOUR CITY USSEEEEEEE YOUR TOOLLLLLSSSSSSSSSSSS

[@SRose-vp6ew]

Blessing boxes are something you can put on your own property, but you can’t put it on public property without permission(possibly something that very state by state look up your own states laws). You may want to add disclaimers. 🙄 Saint Vincent de Paul often has these boxes. Rules like all must fit in box so no animals and eat at your own risk. Take if you need, leave extra if your blessed with extra.

[@Theif711]

That’s an awesome idea. Maybe do like soups and chili’s so people just add water to them on the go. Maybe help them out with instructions of how much water to put in, any potential allergies not specified in the soup name. This is so generous of you❤️

[@markhottman2652]

Mango 🥭 and Strawberries 🍓

[@Gooseknox]

I love this! You're super underrated!!!

[@WhitepepperFarm]

This channel is still very new and it’s growing a lot faster than my main channel, I’m definitely happy with how quickly it’s growing, BUT hearing that I’m underrated definitely feels good! So thank you 😂!

[@jazx5418]

A lady does freeze dried yogurt drops. Just yogurt squeezed on and her kids love them

[@Smkpt42]

Freeze dried fruit is like candy. So goood

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

I read you have to fill all the trays to run the freeze dryer efficiently or it may end before the food is truly dry because the sensors will read the empty space as dry. Do you do extra dry time to combat this?

[@WhitepepperFarm]

We fill all the trays! In the video it does show empty spaces but those were things that had already been pulled out for another video! But I feel like this is something I should try!

[@WhitepepperFarm]

BUT I will say that I tend to add at least a few extra hours no matter what. I would rather be safe than sorry and the machine doesn’t know when it’s dry or not. So I’ll either just add extra dry time or weigh trays to make sure they are dry!

[@donkor3849]

I’m gonna start putting powders in and slowly start mixing in arsenic

[@kathryndemille5321]

Freeze dried strawberries, great candy replacement...

[@tripeeblonde8309]

Peaches are my families favorite freeze dried fruit for snacking

[@haroldlerma3339]

You put the expiration! I think most people would forget to put it but you did put it!

[@christicha8692]

Doing soup moxes that just need water would be very helpful for people. Its easily portioned and can be resealed for another meal.

[@isaiahcone8876]

More baby stuff (bottles, diapers different sizes,wipes, pacifiers, ect) but love what you do!

[@Adventures_in_AK]

Soups, stews, fruits and vegetables. You could do cooked chicken as well.

[@funnyanimalworld7579]

Box idea is great

[@KJ_horses]

Peaches, pears, mangoes, definitely strawberries

[@42ckev]

It's lovely to see these boxes... But devastating we need them as a society 😅

[@erinlarge4174]

I love freeze dried apples ❤

[@Floklorebaddie]

Apples, mangoes, bananas, strawberries, kiwi oranges, blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, and all of the fruits. And veggies!

[@inverclacky]

My town has a communal book cupboard, but I would rather we have one of these.

[@SaraHale-r5x]

I've been thinking about doing this too. I thought about MRE's and things like milk and eggs. I would just take them to my church and let people know that it's there if they if needed

[@lousielouise8716]

For those thinking of contributing: You MUST label everything in those and provide a “manufactured” date. The key with resources like this is to treat them like you would use them. Would you pick up and eat a mystery item or homemade meal from someone you’ve never met? Don’t think of people who use these boxes as pitiable or charity cases or too desperate and hungry to care. Think of them as your neighbors- because they are!

[@barbaramontgomery1846]

Freeze dried strawberries are delicious so really anyone would like them

[@JeannetteTetrault]

Every city should have one of these.. its a shame Boston doesn't

[@Agent_of_Grim]

Just think, "What is a healthy kids' snack?" freeze dried fruit and common vegetables are a good start. Some people would prefer freeze-dried (no additives) for the health benefits of no sodium or any added sugars from syrups. I think the best things to think about for vegetables are what vegetables are most common in soups and pastas. Carrots, potatoes, squash, and celery are all good foods that will keep their shape. You could also freeze dry tomatoes, turn it into powder, and put it in small jars for boosts of flavor to dishes

[@JynDo-m9p]

Fruit veg and meat also you should talk to someone at your local food bank to see if they want to or if they can ask there suppliers if anyone wants to collab with you I have a feeling this could be a huuuùuuuuge help to people in need like people who need to lug around bags but can't carry heavy food around. But instead of asking what people want you should really talk to your local food bank and either with there supplies or one of the stores that supply them you should just put in whatever they give you and I bet the food bank would appreciate some of the freeze dried food it probably the easiest way to get them to people in need because they all know that's where to go for food anyway 😊

[@Andrew-vy1rx]

Put a blessing box inside the blessing box. Like a "surprise package" 😂🎉🎉

[@spleenforsoul]

You should bless my mailbox with some freeze-dried fruits, lol 😅

[@missellie9518]

wonderful idea

[@Brokkl_G]

Strawberrys are amazing

[@Dasher.VR8313]

Freeze dried skittles. That’s all I have to say. They would love it.

[@brendabradford9048]

God bless you!!

[@catherinekilgour2563]

I've never heard a silica gel packet being called an oxygen absorber before, I've always used them to absorb moisture inside sealed containers.

[@Blake-pk3zy]

Omg I would go crazy if I could eat that!

[@elyagaras611]

That’s a great idea !!!

[@The-one-and-only-rat-motel]

Strawberries and raspberries definitely. Basically just healthy candy

[@deborahlybrand2283]

I know there was a small blessing box near where I use to work at a church. It isn’t specific about what is put in it. I asked a homeless guy I saw going there I asked him what he saw people could use. Food that is edible with out cooking or pop top can because they don’t have can openers. Socks,hand sanitizer, travel size toothbrush and toothpaste,bandaids, wipes. They like small stuff because they can carry it around If they put it down they are robbed. Seasonal stuff gloves ,long sleeve thermal or summer time shirts such as t shirts. Book bags help them easily carry stuff. Oh and drinks. Just think what you would need if you were in their shoes out in open.

[@acprtrainingservices3468]

Freezedried fruit mix Bananas Strawberries Apples Pineapple 🥰

[@GrifflepuffTheGreat]

Dried banana chips are very good, and also do not need to be rehydrated.

[@maryanne1367]

Beans - dried is great

[@holycrap8367]

Ayyy, the quality of the apple📈

[@PolynHoare]

Wow look yummy

[@Lakotajo2]

A soup mix would be great!

[@GreenGoblin9]

Blessing box is amazing! Do you know how one could set this up in their city/town? Do I need signatures or papers?

[@SRose-vp6ew]

Your private property. Look up the local laws. Also Christian organizations have these such as Saint Vincent de Paul’s.

[@ShelbieRidesHorses]

We do the same thing in New Zealand only we call it the shearing shead

[@debipanchyshyn4041]

Freeze dried candy corn is the best

[@TotallyNotSkylerVT]

Thats amazing i love that idea

[@nejitenfan]

How about soups? I saw in another video of yours you guys make soups and freeze dry them I'm sure people would love that. I'm now thinking about a freeze dryer again so I can do this with my broccoli spinach soup