Visiting my Local Food Pantry and Using The Food I Receive to Cook A Tasty Meal!

[@karenspeciale4878]

My hubby and I started going to a food pantry last year and it helped us so much. We are in our 70s and retired.

[@rebeccamorgan3885]

I volunteered at a food bank and if food can be used and not tossed in the trash is a very positive thing. You go dear!

[@mamabairds]

@@rebeccamorgan3885 thank you so much!

[@alisonkhan4512]

When I was raising my kids in the 80s we didn't really have any food banks just wic. Sometimes we only had 20 dollars for a weeks worth of groceries. So glad people now have this to help families out.

[@Skybookie]

Thank you! I'm in Tampa, Florida and was nervous all day because of Hurricane watch. Your latest video came on, and all my anxiety drained away. I love it when you do food bank shows. I ended up going back and watching older shows all through the Hurricane. It's next morning and I am fine. Just a lot more rain and wind, but no damage.💕

[@ashleighdavison7950]

So glad that it seems like you still have a great food bank resource nearby

[@melissagiesin353]

You should not stop going to the food pantry Carolina because it helps You so Very Much.. You are like Me.. We don't waste.. & We are Grateful for Everything that We get! And You are from a Hard working Family.. And Don't Forget.. the prices at the stores don't seem to be coming down any time soon! You're Awesome and Keep doing what You do ~ Many Blessings 🙏 & Lots of Love ❤️ .. Melissa Giesin from Upstate New York 🍎

[@jojo-tz2ym]

Going to the pantry has made. Big difference in what im spending at the grocery store. Gives me money for home repairs medicine ect

[@hello-vs4me]

Great

[@donnapartridge4387]

I love it when people save food! More people need to do this!

[@mousemeat1352]

I love rice krispie treats where butterscotch cips are added into them and then frosted or not with chocolate chis melted belive thet are called scotcheroos. They are soooo good can't stop eating them.😊

[@homeboundmama9968]

I like this new food bank.

[@mamabairds]

Me too!

[@jalisamustin7849]

Although the new food bank is once a month, it's pretty awesome. Don't stop going!

[@mommabecky83]

Don’t let ANYONE make you feel like you shouldn’t go.

[@marywalker1394]

💯❤️

[@MyBlazingLife]

You got a lot from your food pantry and great stuff! My food pantry isn’t stocked as well. They give you two bags of canned foods and pastas that they’ve already preselected and bagged. Then you go around with a volunteer to each section (refrigerator, bread, hygiene, baked goods, cereals, produce, and freezer), and they tell you if you can pick one or two items from each of those sections. I’m able to take a lot more produce b/c at my local food pantry not many take the fresh produce. It’s been a blessing to use the food pantry this year with inflation and being able to save some money for major car repairs.

[@MsRene98]

There is not a thing wrong with going to the food bank. The canned and dried goods and cheese are commodities that are paid for with your tax dollars. The perishables are provided by grocery stores so they don't have to be thrown away. I love your new kitchen. So much natural light.

[@mamabairds]

Those are wonderful points! Thank you! It does have great lighting in the new kitchen!!

[@karenrichardson2801]

So pleased to see that your home move has gone well. Thank you for your latest foodbank visit video. I'm glad that you've found the new one that is now local to you. I also wanted to thank you for constantly raising awareness of the role of foodbanks and encouraging people to go. I have been helping out in the community cafe side of the local foodbank that supported me when I was ill and was off work. The community cafe makes meals for people to eat (soups, stews etc) together before they go into collect/choose their items from the foodbank. The community cafe is free of charge also, but it does help all in a variety of ways eg homeless people who need a daily hot meal and signposting to other help such as overnight sleeping hostels or people who can't afford the gas/electricity to cook items they are collecting from the foodbank-so at the very least we know that they have eaten a cooked meal (and hopefully enjoyed some conversation with other people and volunteers), before going about their day. I was able to start as a volunteer twice a week abount 18 months ago and I help with anything that needs doing at the community cafe from chopping veggies, wiping tables, washing up, chatting to people or cutting up some sandwiches for a client to take home for a family member at home. You inspired me to help out at my foodbank when you volunteered at your previous foodbank. Due to my illness, (now thankfully recovered), it has taken me a while to build up my mental and physical strength, but I like to think that I am saying a practical thank you to them for the help they happily gave me when I was ill. Thanks Carolina. x

[@JustMelissa]

Look at you, getting all settled into your new kitchen! Yummy burritos and keep going to your food bank if it helps your family!

[@persiusk]

I love butterscotch oatmeal cookies, my grandma was alergic to chocolate, and it was one of her favorites.

[@mamabairds]

Those are my dad's favorite too!

[@DeniseODaniels]

what a lovely haul u got from your food pantry! very lovely! thanks for sharing a great video!

[@rae3356]

Saw a video where someone froze half & half in silicone cupcake cups, and once frozen stored in a bag in freezer. Maybe an ice cube tray would work too! You just take out a cube when you need a serving for a recipe

[@JYDIVISN]

Yum! Delicious and you are blessed with that haul.

[@wallinglm71]

My mom use to mash some turnip with her mashed potatoes and it was delicious. She would make little dumplings out of egg and flour, drop spoonfuls in water then she would fry them in butter and serve them with the mashed potato-turnip deliciousness. Oh man that was great.

[@wandaspinney6568]

Yes keep going to your new food bank, you hava a wonderful haul. 😊

[@nicolecrawford5598]

❤❤ i go to a once a month food pantry. And and there are 4 other church run food pantry/food that i will go to as well. Out of them 4 1 is twice a month. Every food pantry/good bank that i have been everyone has been really nice people working at them

[@sherriehunter-henry6245]

What a nice haul

[@BrendaBrandt-i1l]

I am very glad for you and your family, food is so expensive these days ! I only wish a lot more people in need, had access to this type of help. Blessings from Florida ❤.

[@jacquethirlkel3001]

Turnips are great in soup. They are very nutritious, add sugar and butter to improve flavor. They can be roasted. They can be mashed. Etc. Very versatile.

[@joannevelazquez1995]

I thank you for the information you have supplied it made a difference 😊

[@jacquethirlkel3001]

Definitely keep going to pantries. God bless!

[@shirleymurphy1958]

You can't go wrong with free ! By the looks it will go a long ways too help you food cost.

[@hopemorrison2367]

If you make mash potatoes from scratch add the turnip or you can add it to soup or stew like you would a carrot

[@wheatie83]

I have a gas stove and yes got my favorite burner as well

[@BrendaWalls-gv5qn]

Steam the turnip till it's fork tender mash it put butter in it then a tsp salt n 1/4th tsp of garlic powder then stir till combined just saying it's good

[@bethenecampbell6463]

In Scotland they combine mashed turnips and potatoes (needs 'n tatties). The turnips add a little natural sweetness. If you have a pot roast you can chunk up the turnip and throw it in with the potatoes and carrots.

[@auroranight3779]

I have steamed and mashed my turnip Roots like mashed potatoes and added butter and some seasoning. I've peeled and diced them up in roasted vegetables; added to soups and stews and they're delicious in a roast beef. I like adding them to a pot of turnip greens or mixed greens, and eating them raw in a salad, dehydrated seasoned turnip Roots slices make good snack chips

[@glendabenard3772]

Awesome food bank haul. So glad you are going back to the food bank

[@cupcakepinup1]

I love those canned pears along with cottage cheese yummy

[@joannethompson7333]

I love turnip. (Or swede as we call it here. In England) I would put it in a stew or mash it with potato, popular in the UK is swede and carrot mash with plenty of butter and pepper. I also use pumpkin or squash in the same way. Xxx

[@lQueenBee452]

AWESOME food bank haul!!! Yes by all means continue to go to the food bank especially since winter will be here soon. 😎 Chirozo!!! We love it. Like your mom (💖) I add it/ cook it with my eggs…. I also shred my cheese and add it as it’s cooking. I then roll it up into a tortilla shell (flour or corn). Recipe Cooked Spaghetti Or pasta of your choice Chorizo into the skillet on medium heat. When meat is Almost done add 1 can of Diced tomatoes and smush/mash tomatoes….. add whatever seasonings you prefer (I use garlic powder and paprika) Let cook for about 3 minutes. Tomatoes should yield some sauce if you like more sauce add some tomato paste to your taste. I use 2 squirts of Tube tomato paste if needed. Once all combined pour over pasta. While growing up we called it "Mexican Spaghetti." We also ate it with flour tortillas. I personally put my spaghetti into the tortilla and ate it like a taco. Sounds strange but I introduced it to my BFF and that’s the only way she eats it now. 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Great video Carolina! Electric stoves are great. Very first time I cooked bacon on one (I was 21) I burnt a pd of bacon trying to adjust the temp. 🤣🤣🤣🤣 It gets better. I love electric stoves now.

[@diannehaack2621]

I enjoy watching your videos so much I just subscribed to your channel😊❤

[@mamabairds]

Thank you so much!! Welcome!

[@craftedbykittens]

i definitely think you should continue to go to the food bank because you may have to rely upon a stocked pantry come this winter. I am a firm believer in having between 3-6 months of food because winter happens or job losses happen and summer storms happen. Our family once lived a whole year on our pantry and freezers. so rotate but don't eat down unless you have too.

[@PattiL4401]

The food is there to help people, not let it rot due to pride and who deserves what. Some food banks have stipulations. People,are,grateful regardless.

[@mamabairds]

@@craftedbykittens love this! Thank you for that reminder!

[@cleotaylor1860]

I grew up on the coast so hurricanes are a real worry. We were taught to keep 6 boxes of shelf stable food. Each tote contains just about a months worth of food for 2-3 people. Every other month we go thru a tote, so the food is always rotated.

[@ashleybosvik3031]

The foodbank is to help a person out now and again not all the time.

[@saraedwardsboggess5145]

Thank you for sharing with us! Please continue to go to the food bank...you bless us and this is God blessing you and your family. ❤️

[@MelodyTallmage-t5t]

Hello looks like a blessing for you and your family

[@mamabairds]

Yes, thank you!!

[@jpwhiddon]

boil a turnip, add salt, pepper, butter. Broil a turnip. Air fry turnips. Mashed turnips, like mashed potatoes. Turnips are diecious, IF you like them.

[@joannemusick5622]

Impressive haul! Keep well stocked. Contentious election coming up as well as threat of dock workers strike. And, as always…zombie apocalypse 😂

[@marshanewman5602]

Enjoy your blessing! 😇

[@sarahharrison6421]

Awe yay I'm glad you like the new food bank ❤❤ more recipes with chorizo? Lol that's something I've always wanted to try but I'm picky lmfao

[@craftingwithapurpose6479]

If you need the food, go. If you don’t need it, don’t go. Easy decision.

[@RebeccaTJM]

Dang. This food pantry seems like you got lots more than your other food bank.

[@MarilynRuel]

What a great haul!🥰🇨🇦

[@shannonmcdonald8256]

A Food pantry/ Food Bank is supposed to take away from your food bill. But I think that a lot of us run into one of the same problems of like the Green Beans, and Corn. The canned kind. I know mine gives it out almost every time. And also rice, pinto beans, and split peas or lentils, or even spaghetti. But where I am I will say that it has been changing and it’s not exactly the every time I go. I get a ton of the same produce, and I have trouble trying to preserve it because it goes bad super quick! But I’m trying. I think you will LOVE this New Pantry, but will miss the Old One. But it looks like you will get more from this one. And don’t ever feel bad for going. I go and I tell my husband that I do it to save what money I can on our food bill, and it lets us buy other items that we want. I also have a freezer that I’m cleaning out food wise, and I’m slowly thinning it down.

[@trishthedish2790]

I make chorizo with eggs and rolled in a tortilla. We love those.😊

[@ramonahatter9887]

What a blessing

[@hello-vs4me]

Great food bank

[@brandyhovey9294]

I use chorizo in Shepard's pie. I mix with ground beef. Its so good.

[@ninafleming4038]

Mayo in scrambled eggs makes them really fluffy

[@mamabairds]

oh I haven't tried that yet! And I love mayo!!

[@tammyhendrickson-kt2bo]

Turnip is good roasted or mashed but I personally like eating a whole one raw.. I love the education aspect.. started using the food bank after a 3 year hiatus.. I live in a wealthy community but I am a disabled senior and buying fresh produce and meat is astronomical prices here.. I am able to go 2 times a month to my local food bank.. I have an alternative one that I can go to weekly but it is in a church basement and getting down the slope with my walker has led to 2 er visits (I have psyncopy and also epilepsy -and a vestibular imbalance) so going to that one stresses my body out

[@thatcrazyjack]

I honestly had no idea that eating raw turnip was a thing.

[@kathykb8123]

I wonder if the food bank in the church basement would do a carry out for you? I go to one that's in the basement and they are always willing to bring food out to people who can't make it down the steps.

[@lilyschumaker]

Great Haul.

[@mamabairds]

Thank you! 🤗

[@wenchyfoodwench4098]

I love chorizo. The burritos look delicious! I make a pumpkin chorizo lasagne. I put canned pumpkin in the red sauce and the ricotta mixture. A hint of pumpkin pie spice or nutmeg just for a hint of warmth… and all the regular spices for red sauce. My sauce has wine in it too lol. It’s a good fall meal. You can do it in a baked rigatoni or baked spaghetti form too.

[@InternetPersond]

The delicious secret to chorizo is in the spices. Club House, the biggest spices brand in North America, has a recipe online for vegan chorizo using garbanzos with mushrooms and it is easy to do and really yummy. I highly recommend both versions especially if you have a large treasure trove of spices in your pantry and a couple cans of garbanzo beans.

[@kathybromley8084]

That’s a great haul!

[@Pastelleoja]

I work at a food bank and what I know we do not put flower or sugar in zip lock bags

[@teresafritz6245]

Yeah that's so good thank you

[@LindaYassin-n8b]

I mix chorizo with my beans it's really good and then I put it on top of chips and make nachos or sometimes I just eat the beans and chili so like that with a tortilla much love from Michigan ❤️

[@amyk6453]

Holy crap... Thats a lot of food. i get like veggies and bread old frozen .eat a couple cans of food and old deasert. That's a LOT. 😲

[@jackieburnett6881]

Definitely you should continue to go!

[@joog33]

Migas with chorizo is really good and a cheap/easy dinner as well.

[@julieluken5161]

❤ from Kentucky!

[@kathymurdocco5156]

I am so happy that there are food banks for people who need them.. GOD is good and and it makes me feel so grateful,

[@kathleenelias0]

@@kathymurdocco5156 "for people who need them"

[@RebeccaTJM]

Oddly I just had chorizo for the first time a few days ago. It was delicious.

[@tristazerbe8119]

That is a TON of food! Our food bank barely gives a brown bag full and you don’t get to choose.

[@jalisamustin7849]

Put orange juice in the eggs. My grandma ALWAYS did it, and us kids would always ask, "Why do these taste so good?"

[@mamabairds]

oh interesting!! I'm going to try it!

[@robertaallen4785]

I add mayo to my scrabble eggs. They come out fluffy

[@ooprincessoo7113]

What you called turnip looks more like a rutabaga which I personally like mashed, kinda like mashed potatoes. It has a unique flavour that a lot of people don't like, can be a little bitter.

[@mamabairds]

Thank you for that information!!

[@chrispichereau3730]

We just finished that same Crush Orange cake. Amazing!!!

[@mamabairds]

I didn't get a single piece! Haha

[@chrispichereau3730]

Lol

[@carolpohina3798]

Yes, please make that Rigatoni dish for us ❤😋🤙

[@mamabairds]

I think I will! It sounded good as I described it! Haha

[@carolpohina3798]

@@mamabairds it does

[@pearlbevington1861]

Tip your container of sour cream over in the frig, it will not collect extra liquid in it.

[@MelodyTallmage-t5t]

I take the pastatio pudding and add chocolate chips raisins marshmallows for a quick treat

[@mamabairds]

oh I had no idea! Thanks for sharing!

[@bethenecampbell6463]

My family uses pistachio pudding mix for Green Stuff (as opposed to Pink Stuff, which is cranberry). You need a box of pudding mix, a tub of Cool Whip, small can of crushed pineapple and some chopped nuts. Mix everything together and put it in the fridge until your ready to serve. Technically it's a salad, but it's so sweet you can call it dessert.

[@Rainbow_acres]

I like chorizo nachos ❤

[@mamabairds]

oh that would be so good!

[@annateague2354]

Isn’t the food bank for people who really need help?

[@HappyMarriedTradWife]

This is why I no longer donate..I toss

[@annateague2354]

@@HappyMarriedTradWife she blocked me for asking her this question.

[@cristinmccloud1980]

Her family does need help. Food banks are for anyone who struggles with grocery bills. Which is pretty much anyone.

[@juliecapone7]

If going to the food bank help do u girl. I often go take a lady from my apartment building n she goes in n gets her stuff then i go n give her my stuff because she can't get assistance n is barely making ends meet.

[@geraldinelucas3143]

I like to peel and slice a turnip eat as a snack low in calories and taste better I think when cooked which removes vitamins.

[@Fisherman6810]

Cool video 😎

[@carolynrandle5454]

You can add eggs to the chorizo also my grandsons love it they are part Hispanic.

[@kiml1508]

I got those same mac n cheese from my food pantry here in Texas!

[@sallygordin2869]

What a haul!! Ours don't give even a quarter of that. Yes you should continue going to the food bank. Food prices just keep climbing. So it will help your family a lot.

[@amandarich-hf3hz]

Ours doesn't have near all this

[@inkheart1954]

Mama Baird miss you love your food haul 😊

[@carolynrandle5454]

Peel the turnip cutit inchunks a.boil in water put seasoning.a little sugar cook until tender servewith cornbread

[@janecannon5567]

Looks like a great food bank. Are you getting use to your electric stove?

[@mamabairds]

yes I am!

[@emilietryon8662]

We love turnips in soups and stew.

[@alinewright1093]

Use 2 cake racks crisecross over the burner to warm tortillas. I am 69 and have been doing that for 55 years.

[@reneyc723]

I think you should continue using the food bank, that is what they are there for. Over the years I have built a good working pantry, but still have gaps myself, of Items we use most often. Some days dinners can get creative! You could make buffalo nachos or put the cheese in buffalo chicken dip, looks tasty. Thanks for the lesson on chorizo, I had no idea.

[@mamabairds]

You are so welcome! Putting that cheese in a buffalo chicken dip is an amazing idea!!

[@catherinebarlow3079]

Tunip you can top and tail it prick with fork all over put it in your mirowave then half way through cooking it in mirowave turn it over way round so top at bottom give bottom a chance to cook, when cooked peel it how you would normally peel it chop it up or mash it with some butter have it with your evening meal or sunday lunch but me l cheat do that with it but mash a carrots with with it on my sunday lunch or mid week meals

[@kati3849]

I'm in the 5th largest city in the US, the food banks never give us a choice and the items are barely edible. No brand name items or anything. That town has it good

[@kati3849]

And NEVER any fresh fruit or veg. And never any pet food 😢... no dairy either. So sad for phoenix.

[@loritanner4478]

Dont like chorizo. Especially after reading the ingredients. I like turnips raw, not cooked. Dipped in my homemade gluten free and dairy free ranch. Just finishing up canning homemade clam chowder. Got 26 pints canned. I was going to our drive thru food giveaway. But havent went for a couple months now. Its on Thursday mornings. You have to get there before 7 am to get in line. And that is my day off. And i have to get up at 4 am 5 days a week to go to work. So i like to be able to sleep in and not have to drive into town on my days off. We live way out in the country. You got some really nice things at your new food bank. Id keep going, since its only 1 a month.

[@virginiacorcoran1326]

The way things are now, please don’t feel guilty for going to the food bank, especially since you have children. When I was a kid, there were no food pantries, but we did get government cheese. I have used turnips just like potatoes. You can mash them like potatoes as well. Boiling is the best way to soften them and add a teaspoon of sugar to the water to take out the bitterness from them.

[@PamelaHughes-t5p]

Just unplug the burners and switch them around.

[@mamabairds]

@@PamelaHughes-t5p oh man! I had no idea! Thank you for telling me that!

[@PamelaHughes-t5p]

Absolutely i moved my big eye to the right side because thats the best burner. Lol

[@lQueenBee452]

I bought the cheese you use in this video. Yeah. I see now why your face was like, "Kraft what have you done?" We didn’t care for it. To us it has sweet undertones. To a second for the heat to kick in. It’s okay but I wouldn’t buy it again. I added it to my "Philly steak sandwich and couldn’t taste it. Yes, I put a lot in it. I love cheese. Enjoyed the video. Hugs

[@carolynrandle5454]

I havent been to the food pantry in 2years

[@lindabarnes4128]

Wow, the move is just blessing you over and over! It's that optimistic and grateful attitude of yours that captures magic for you. I'm so glad you went and found what you needed. That has to feel really supportive. Good work handling the move, with many more blessings on your way!

[@mamabairds]

@@lindabarnes4128 thank you so much!

[@wilmabaker4500]

Awesome haul,I am glad your going I always enjoyed seeing all you got.❤🙏🙏👍

[@mamabairds]

Thanks so much!

[@marysimpson7688]

❤