Making An Incredible Dinner from the Food I Received from the Food Bank!

[@Chronicmom68]

In this economy, getting assistance is sometimes very necessary. What you mentioned about letting your kids pick a book at the book fair really hit home. Many years ago, when we were struggling and I was a stay at home mom, we could rarely afford to let the kids get a book from book orders or book fair. The reality was that daycare far and away exceeded what we could afford to pay even if both of us worked, so me being home was my contribution to the budget, by way of extreme budgeting, and bargain shopping. Making use of thrift stores, etc. When times are hard, you do what you need to do to raise your kids in a way that they don't feel low income. I recall my son once telling me that his friends thought we were rich, because our home was clean, and didn't have bare walls, and they were well fed because I learned how to cook from scratch, watch for sales and yes, when I needed to, I used a good bank. Unless someone has a common frame of reference, they have no place making negative comments.

[@mamabairds]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! Staying home instead of paying for childcare to help the budget, is so smart. Others may see you as not having a "job" and that is costing you the lose of an income. But when that cost of childcare is more than your income. It doesn't make sense. I think those who haven’t had to struggle in that way are the ones who can’t truly understand the amazing feeling of being able to buy your child a book they want, rather than just borrowing it from the library. They have always been the kids who couldn't get a book because we didn't have enough. To see the look on their faces when I said cost didn't matter and to get whatever they wanted?! That makes all of the struggle/judgement worth it. Thanks again for sharing with us!

[@kate-yk8gv]

Go to the library for books ​@@mamabairds

[@Chronicmom68]

@mamabairds indeed it does!! Keep doing what you're doing. My eldest is 39 now, and the youngest is 18. Being able to help in wharves way I could was huge, but it also gave me the gift of being able to raise my children, and that was even greater. There were times I worked, but they were jobs enabled me to take or have my kids with me. They remember me being there and for me that was just the best, because we had such fun together.

[@mamabairds]

@Chronicmom68 I love that you see getting to raise your children as a gift! I'm going to refer to it as that from now on! Thank you!

[@courtneyk2733]

I love that the food bank has allowed you to give your children those things! Seriously those people who feel the need to run their mouth can go fly a kite. You are feeding your family, doing your best for your family, and have the guts to share it with the world.

[@mamabairds]

Thank you so much!

[@kathycortez232]

That’s right I have rather see her get it than it to be put in the trash

[@Memaw-0404]

Hey Carolina and family! You received a great variety of items from food bank this time around. Don't ever feel ashamed for going to the local food bank,that's what its for. Ignore all those haters. I made taquitos with flour tortillas all the time not a big fan of the corn. You are incredible and I'm loving your channel ❤️

[@ritarichardson3881]

I go to my local food bank.

[@KKreate101]

We utilize the food banks as often as we can. My husband and I are both disabled since 2004. We just don’t get enough to make ends meet if we didn’t have the food banks. We love to go to the drive thru style food banks as it’s easier on us. Waiting in those long lines outside can be hard especially in the cold winter.

[@mamabairds]

That's awesome! I'm so thankful for ours as well!!

[@Pure_and_wise]

I love how you didn’t edit out the savory nature valley bars part !!! 😂 love it!

[@mamabairds]

I couldn't get the words out and it made me chuckle when I was editing so thought I'd leave it in! Glad you liked it too!! Haha

[@annswann1941]

I laughed harder with each try!😂

[@PattiL4401]

In 1980 I completed raising my 2 daughters alone . Without my knowledge, my oldest was foraging for food for our family. l worked full time but groceries were at the bottom of the list of bills. She brought home bread from the church food bank. She was calling my mom, telling her that we had no food. I’m proud of her for finding help, but her job was not a child’s job to feed our family. Continue doing what you’re doing. From appearances no one could tell. I thought I was doing a good. job.

[@PattiL4401]

I wish I had swallowed my pride and cared for my children properly and reached out for help.

[@momfromcc2934]

Your kids being included in their book fair was beneficial to their mental health which determines their success as adults. Keep going to those food banks and building your channel. You help so many more people than you even know. I am confident in saying that.

[@mamabairds]

Thank you for that! I know they could just go to the library, but there is something about being able to pick out any book to keep, when they normally get told that we can't afford it. It felt so good for both me and them!

[@momfromcc2934]

@mamabairds I am nearly 50 years old, and I still have my favorite books from my childhood. I cherish the memory of being with my dad and him reading to me. My kids are older teens. They kept their favorite books as well. Books are powerful. Absolutely we get a lot of books at the library, buy the special ones we buy and hold dear. I also feel that it contributes to their love of reading and develops their creativity. Buying books and giving books as gifts shows children the importance of books and the benefits of taking full advantage of our literacy, no matter the level they are at. Once a child has a love for books, their education is limitless no matter what barriers they may face. Audiobooks are wonderful, too, especially for children who need more support with their reading. I could go on for days, I have a strong opinion on the benefits of books for children and even adults. Keep doing exactly what you do because you are doing exactly what you should be doing. What is best for you, your children, and your family. Anyone who has a negative comment about it is sad because of their own trauma and/or failures.

[@roseannbradley3724]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@roseannbradley3724]

​@mam❤❤❤❤❤abairds

[@ksewald91]

We had 7 kids. Back then there were no food banks. My husband made good money, but we lived paycheck to paycheck at times. You're doing a great job to provide for them. The pantry is a real blessing for your family.

[@mamabairds]

Thank you so much! I'm very grateful that there are food banks and that using them is getting normalized! Talking about it really helps spread the word!

[@roseannbradley3724]

​@mam❤❤❤❤❤abairds

[@Poopipantz1]

I remember being so poor. After paying everything for the week we would have $100 to hold us over til the next friday. I was blessed we had that $100 because alot of ppl dont even have half that. The last 3 yrs have been good. Better income. We have been so blessed. Bump the haters and what they say. Alot of ppl aren't happy unless they are stepping all over others. Pay no mind to them!

[@bethyoung4030]

We are down to $10 leftover for the month. I hope and pray that no extra expenses pop up. It is kind that you have compassion for others

[@christieflesch3750]

Do not let people make you feel bad about going to the food bank. You’re very nice lady you do very nice things and it’s nice that you could buy extra stuff for your kids because you went. I hope that makes sense.

[@BrendaBrandt-i1l]

Many blessings for you and your family It really makes me so happy to know that a fellow American is enjoying this benefits . THIS IS WHERE I WANT MY TAX MONEY TO GO, TO ANOTHER AMERICAN CITIZEN !!!

[@ashleyroundtree258]

People need to stop the hate... kids should have some extras in life not just surviving ❤

[@roseannbradley3724]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@DvLnDsGyZ]

I have to wonder about the people who criticize you. Why are they even watching your videos, especially when your titles include "food bank hauls". People have so much hate in their hearts that they feel better when they look down on others 🤦‍♀️ Misery really DOES love company and I'm super happy you don't fall for that BS. Your house, your kids, YOUR decisions! You go girl 💪❤

[@mamabairds]

I'm not sure the joy they get in hate watching others. I'm kinda glad I don't get it, I'd never want to be that way. Snuffing out someone else's fire doesn't make theirs shine brighter.

[@SandraChampenois]

You are very lucky, Carolina. Food Bank is a benediction to stay safe, secure, and to preserve a normal way of living. You have the good strategy, to allow to your children to have the choice, and to have activities...Good actions, today, to build Better Adults ❤😊

[@crazychic423]

Flautas instead of taquitos since it's made with flour ones and taquitos are typically made with corn ones.

[@sallygordin2869]

Awesome haul! I love when you cook a meal with some items from your haul. Looks really tasty. Blessings 😊

[@carolbreeden8854]

You have a great pantry. We still don't get to inside shop. We get hit and miss getting milk. I like how you get stuff and come up with meals especially with food items like you said most don't know what to make. ❤❤❤loved your f r ied burrito 🌯

[@mamabairds]

Thank you!! That burrito was so good! I'm about to make some chicken ones and throw in the freezer to use up the rest of those tortillas and oil!

[@trishthedish2790]

Love this your doing awsome

[@edwardleecaliforniausa]

Good morning Mama baird how are you happy Thursday morning to you and I enjoy your channel and you are amazing supporter

[@mamabairds]

Thanks so much!!

[@natalyiadadnam]

this family needs a million in the bank! 😍🤩

[@lorafuhs]

I never say much, but Carolina screw those people, we have to do what we can to fulfill our family lives and you are doing so ❤😊

[@roseannbradley3724]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@MarilynRuel]

Very happy for you,you are doing an amazing job looking after your family!🥰🇨🇦

[@darlenecuglietta3809]

I love your concept!! Your doing a great service

[@heathere.6557]

Next time shallow fry them and put them in seam side down. You can always seal them with a toothpick too but shallow frying really helps with the filling not to come out and not to get so much oil inside

[@nancyanne1402]

Always put my refried (or black) beans in the meat. My 59 yr old won’t eat them, unless they are mixed in. He complains about them being inside, but he eats it. Whatever it takes. I put onion and peppers in the meat too.

[@marywalker1394]

😂😂

[@dorisdonnelly9669]

Another awesome haul . Burritos look good . I have no idea what to do with that squash. I am sure that you will do something interesting with it . Can’t wait to see what you come up with.

[@victoriamorland6300]

I think your great .I love that you care for your family so well.🎉

[@sherriekemper1828]

We make taquitos with corn tortillas; when I use flour tortillas we call them flautas. I use a toothpick to hold them together while frying and take it out when done. I also leave the ends open. Yours look yummy.

[@micheleroner7455]

So happy for you and your family

[@DianeC.]

Hi Mama B.!!! You got some good items at The Food Bank this week. Dinner looked really delish. 😋 . Nice Video!!!...🦋

[@MrCorvettegirl2]

Hi Carolina Nice to see you 😁 Your haul this month was awesome 👍and your chimichangas looked delicious 😋 Thanks for sharing with us❤

[@lisacorley1626]

Good haul Carolina i guessed tweltas well hope your family enjoyed them they looked tasty 😋 😊❤

[@mamabairds]

Thank you!! They were so good!

[@MadelynFenu]

Cut the Hubbard squash in half, scoop out seeds, and bake, like a pumpkin. It's delicious.

[@mamabairds]

Great idea!

[@merediths9667]

Definitely like a chimichanga and looks delicious. We love chimichangas! Yum! ❤

[@mariafentis]

Hubbard squash has a very mild flavor , makes good soup or roasted as veggie.

[@jeanniedorsey6772]

You picked up a wonderful haul this time. So many goodies! Your place seems to have better items & not as strict rules. Glad you have it! The "burritos" looked so good.

[@rhondarogers1946]

i Love watching your channel Carolina ! Your one of the best Utube Moms I know !

[@kathleenchambers6485]

I utilized our food bank when I left a domestically violent relationship with my 3 kids. Everyone thought we were rich because I served garlic bread with just about any meal. 😂 The free bread we got I turned into garlic bread. I had a fire pit in the back yard and the kids always had fires with the roasted hotdogs from the food bank. I always baked cookies and other treats. We do what’s best for our family. You’re doing a great job. Hubbard squash is like butternut squash and is really yummy. You could just wash it and trim it, throw it whole into the oven and bake it. It’ll be so good.

[@momseasyeats]

Great job

[@auntrowdy]

I think when you use flour tortillas they are called flautas. Or you can just call them yummy! 😁

[@bethyoung4030]

I had one volunteer at the food bank say to me that no one should feel ashamed as very simply you qualify or you don’t. Very simple. I don’t understand folks who criticize as they are not living in your shoes.I could list many ways that I stretch and stretch our money and still I have to visit the food bank. And I work 3 part time jobs. I barter at one job to use the laundry facilities for free so I don’t have to drive to town (12 miles round trip) to do laundry that is $3.50 a load to wash and $1 to drive. Another job I wash dishes and do general clean up so I can dump one bag of trash each week (I try to compost too). People who are living on the edge often are making Herculean efforts to stretch money and make a life. No way should anyone criticize.

[@shanicem24]

You can eat the pork n beans over white rice season the beans add chopped smoked sausage sooo good

[@bettyknight7707]

That's how I've made burritos for years but I also add green Chillis to the beef and bean mixture

[@abcjerilee]

You are so inventive!

[@mamabairds]

Thank you!

[@jacquethirlkel3001]

I am retired and each year my income covers less and less. I used to donate but now I receive from food pantries. No shme. Just survival. God bless.

[@natalyiadadnam]

🙂

[@kimrector8230]

Save the seeds

[@mamabairds]

Great idea!

[@patcanning7668]

Just found your channel. Love your enthusiasm and content. Have an awesome day 🙂

[@gayhoover3826]

❤

[@millenieelggren3860]

We're in the same boat bills went up this year for us most of the money going to bills this year. We're not sure how we're going to pay for Christmas cause all the money go to bills. Hubby doesn't want to pull full saving.

[@cristinmccloud1980]

I wonder if those who criticize realize they could be utilizing food banks, too. ❤

[@mamabairds]

I wonder that as well. Or maybe their food banks don't have as much to give so mine seems excessive? I don't know.

[@annswann1941]

Carolina do you have suggestions for using canned salmon? My only ideas are patties or ‘tuna’ casserole. I help by driving to pantries for people and salmon is given regularly but not wanted.

[@heathertackett7956]

I grind my beans and burger into essentially a paste..melt the cheese in and use a piping bag to pipe a line and roll a tight roll.

[@katibatty4108]

Taquitos literally translates to little tacos so I don't think it matters what kind of tortillas you use as long as they're delicious like tacos 😉

[@inkheart1954]

I love Hubbard squash ❤

[@kathrynbroome5966]

hi hun people go on about tyou using the food bank bec u say like today you could afford to get the kids books and what ever they wanted doent bother me at all hun but others mite think its wrong so dont say what you were able to buy and no obe can say anythign bad kathy uk xxxx

[@nancyrosas6772]

Fantastic haul! Please make a video of how you use the squash.

[@gayhoover3826]

Its ok you have kids and the eat alot its no one's bussiness love ur page !!!

[@shawnrdavis1010]

I always mix my refried beans in with my ground beef when I make nachos. It is just easier-in my opinion

[@JanetBelz-lt8ce]

You can use that kool aid to make a kool aid pie. Very easy.

[@citygirlhomestead]

those looked really god

[@mamabairds]

Thanks Kris! Hope you are doing well!

[@tammyhendrickson-kt2bo]

I went to the fb.. got a lot of fresh vegetables and a few other dry goods.. I had to run over to Walmart to pick up some medicine and while I was there I priced the food that I got at the fb and it came to $327.63…that’s more than I even get in my food stamps.. how can I survive without the food I get at the food bank…. Can’t.. have a lot of food restrictions due to allergies and medical issues and have to eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables..

[@kdevon4736]

Chimichangas. AKA deep-fried burritos. Yum!

[@cathydanks8908]

I would like to say that I worked in a food pantry for several years. While there were times we didn't get much, there were other times we got so much that they begged the workers to take some home. And your kids got to pick out any books they wanted, no price limit? Encouraging children to read sounds like a pretty darn fair trade to me.

[@tracyhardwick2695]

Great haul! Use the Hubbard squash like pumpkin. At least that’s what I was told when someone gave me some seeds. Going to try and grow some next year.

[@annpickle3817]

I am a retired Mexican cook

[@vitsteele-lz2hn]

Hello cooking mama

[@mamabairds]

Hello 😊

[@kathrynbroome5966]

i def wont do them in oil so bad id dry fry it to heat it

[@annpickle3817]

Fold the sides in first and then you can fold it up like you done and your stuff won't come out of it

[@Natalie-ym8pj]

I'm not sure how things work from your area, but we have to show our income meets the standards. Then they assign you to a certain pantry.

[@GrandmaTeresa455]

i have 2 cans of turkey thinking about making a turkey noodle casserole

[@kimrector8230]

One thing I would never do is explain myself to anyone . It's your choice and your right to go to the food bank

[@susansparanormalpennsylvan81]

thats alot of food, the food banks around here do not have much food

[@barbaranelson5177]

I cube my squash and can it so good in soups or with brown sugar and butter

[@charlottemorgan7397]

I have made a pie out of the Hubbard squash. Treat it like a pumpkin.

[@christieflesch3750]

Make tostadas

[@annpickle3817]

You know you could make some more like that and then put chili over them and put cheese on them and you talk about good

[@kimvenablevenable4656]

I would take that pumkin and feed to my chickens. They love reduced, free pumpkins

[@kimvenablevenable4656]

Also, your chili powder looks like it came from penzey's spices. Is that right?

[@LIVEINPEACE2023]

@@kimvenablevenable4656Yes it is. I love Penzys, everything is so flavorful.

[@BeckyCreger-vs5ce]

I would have added some tomato sauce or paste to the beef and refried beans. Then, put them in the oil. Don't forget to save your oil and reuse it.

[@rubettaearthely4497]

That's a burrito

[@charlottemorgan7397]

Taquitos chicken ones are made with flour tortillas.

[@melindaoa8668]

Please, please, please turn that pan handle away from you. It's making me very nervous for your safety.❤

[@mamabairds]

But I need it close so I can grab it.

[@rae3356]

Hii 🩷

[@lizbyrd8877]

The food bank is not meant to be used like this. It's not an alternative way to get food so you can use money for other things. It's meant for people who literally have no other means to get food. Also, why not get a part time job since your kids are in school?

[@mamabairds]

I disagree with you. Food banks help provide working families with food so they can put money towards other expenses. I have KZbin as my part-time job while the kids are in school!

[@lizbyrd8877]

@mamabairds I guess we can agree to disagree.

[@suther5414]

The reason why its upsetting is because you have chickens (and land)... your husband is the only one who works for income... you use the savings for buying other things...you got a new puppy... your monetizing using the food bank for income on youtube... its not what the food bank was for.. Literally the poor.

[@mamabairds]

You say that Husband is the only one working, but then say I monetize my channel, so which is it? Am I working or not? Am I making money or not? Do I use the money I save from the food bank to buy other things? I do. "Things" is a very vague term...the electric bill is consider a "thing" Did I adopt a shelter dog, I did. Do I have chickens for fresh eggs? I do. Do I give the extras to the food bank for others? I do. Do I have land that I own? I don't. I rent, I can't control how much land is on the property. It's literally for everyone in the community. Me going twice a month isn't keeping the poor poorer. Stop blaming the poor for the broken system that keeps them that way.

[@debbielewis9018]

​@mamabairds I am so proud of you. 🎉❤

[@mamabairds]

@debbielewis9018 thank you my friend!

[@suther5414]

​@@mamabairds Def didnt intend to say influencing and being house wife for the kids isnt 'working'. But I also remember you making videos about your husband being the only income provider. (in fact thats a huge goal of mine to be a house keeper). Should make more videos about giving than recieving! cuz you make many of those. Good to know you give. :) Dont think bringing more bodies that will need more food and resurces ( a dog) was smart if you cant afford food for your family- but i expressed that and the comment has now come to an end. Is what it is! Mental health is super important. Said I see both sides, and I do. (previous comment on another video) If you didnt have land, you wouldnt have chickens. You also dont have to explain anything. OR monetize off charity. I also didnt say its keeping the poor poorer. But is that your conscience? Been supoorting you anywho by liking commenting and watching. But the time has come, I wish you the best with your family! You have very kind eyes, I can see your heart. May your holidays be blessed. I can tell a nerve is struck.

[@mamabairds]

@@suther5414 Thanks! I'm glad I have no need to explain why I have the animals that I do. People don't get needing animals in their lives and I get that. I'm not one of them. Happy Holidays!

[@annpickle3817]

I am a retired Mexican cook