Would A Food Pantry Sustain You In Hard Times?

Every week in the month of January, I picked up food from a local food pantry to see if it would be enough food to feed my family for the week.
#foodpantry
#foodpantryhaul
#groceryhaul

[@jeromehenry4484]

Back some years ago, I was laid-off and out of curiosity, I went to the food pantry down the street from my home (because I did not own a car). It was eye opening, they first set up a file for each new client, they do ask if there are food allergies, medical or religious restrictions. The reason for the file is your information is put on a county-wide computer system. I was restricted to 1 food pantry visit COUNTY-WIDE per MONTH, and they only give out 3 days of food strictly based on necessary caloric intake (not nutritionally balanced). The bags you show in this video is just like what I was given that day: 1 boxed cereal, 2 canned fruits, 3 canned veggies, 1 lb rice, 1 lb pinto beans, 1 5oz can tuna, 1 bar of soap, 1 roll toilet paper. I was raised to put something back in case of hard times. This experience was a reality check, and I upped my game and became a prepper (buckets & No. 10 cans, for sure!). Much easier to sleep at night.

[@joshdaniels5970]

Same here

[@thelmacampbell2623]

I am widowed, retired, and live alone with my 2 furgirls...I often share my food pantry haul with others, too, bc in these times we must and need to help each other...

[@samanthageorge4531]

I really like how you are helping your neighbour and giving her 90% of what you collect from the food pantry. That is so lovely and kind of you. I hope you find it in your heart to continue to help her... Sometimes, great things happen through a kind heart and a beautiful soul like yours...

[@dianek1683]

I cant believe that is what they give people, its honestly so sad. We are one of the richest nations yet this is what we give to the hungry?! I will never understand how some people have so much money they dont know what to do with it while others starve, its truly sad. Its very sweet your gave the food to your neighbor, sorry to hear about her husband

[@cathymc8365]

Unfortunately food banks can only give out what they get in. I would look for another food bank in the area if possible.

[@laurenr5095]

I think it's really really awesome that you yourself are going through hard times yet you still have the time and the heart to give back to others. Restores faith in humanity.

[@Frankiefailure]

I volunteer weekly at a food pantry in a major city. I gotta say your pantry fails in comparison. A single person household can come twice a month, and each visit get to choose 6 canned good outta 25 varieties, 4 starch items outta 15 varieties, 4 hygiene items, 1 protein option outta 6 varieties, 1 juice option, 1 cheese/yogurt option, 1 breakfast option, and 2 snack options. They all receive a loaf of actual fresh bread, 1 dozen eggs, 1/2 gal shelf stable milk, and a bag of fresh produce (fruit and veggies).

[@kathleenlangstaff5039]

So many foodbanks - especially in low income states - never reach even this level of assistance.

[@AlizaDasha]

For breakfasts I would have toast with peanut butter, and would have boiled or scrambled eggs or bowls of porridge as well if I could come up with a little money for a 3 dollar bag of oatmeal and a couple dozen eggs and a couple loaves of bread. I would boil up 3 cups of rice and set aside and then add two cups of water to a large pot and bring to a boil, next add the can of peas to the boiling water and the can of soup and the can of tomatoe sauce. Add the bouillon powder from noodles. Bring it all to a simmer and then serve over the boiled rice with toast on the side. That should work for a couple meals and serve with bread if desired. For another meal cook up the macaroni and add the tuna. Serve with bread and butter. Have some bowls of canned fruit for the desert. Next meal cook up two cups of rice and heat up a can of beans to serve along side the rice. For the next meal cook up two cups of rice and serve with home made gravy and biscuits and canned corn. Have canned pineapple for desert. Hopefully have a bag of flour in the pantry and some salt and pepper. Have rice with gravy and biscuits for another meal. Apple sauce for desert. Fruit loops are a snack I guess. It's clearly not enough food for a small family, but it is definitely a help when folks have nothing. Hopefully get to a store and buy a bag of pasta and some sauce and frozen veggies to tie a person over. It's really sad when people can't get enough food. The food bank isn't sufficient for sure but they are better than nothing. They are helping people survive between paychecks. I've had way too little myself many times.

[@p.mckenzie2921]

@@AlizaDashathanks for the meal ideas. I wrote them down so I can make them. I got six pounds of split peas green kind in bags there dried .do you know what to make with them? Blessings to you.😇

[@AlizaDasha]

@p.mckenzie2921 I don't consider them actual recipes, just trying to make something out of basically nothing, which people shouldn't have to do when there is plenty of food in the world. But I've had to make do with very little many times, even when I was working. The food banks helped me out and I would figure out what to make, lol. To put together something.

[@AlizaDasha]

Fill a large pot about half full with water and add a ham bone if you have one. Add some bay leaves and celery seed. Add the split peas and stir. Continue simmering them. In a frying pan heat a couple tablespoons of oil or margarine. Chop up an onion, some garlic cloves and some celery. Cook in the oil. Chop up a couple potatoes and carrots. Take the ham bone out and add the potatoes and carrots. Next add the cooked onions, celery and garlic. Cut the ham off the bone and dice it up and add back to the soup pot. If you do not have a ham bone then you can dice up a couple slices off a ham and add to the soup. Add about teaspoon of pepper or the amount you prefer, add about 1/4 or 1/3 cup of bouillon powder, add in extra water to the soup if it is needed. Continue simmering until all done. Have the soup by itself or serve over some cooked pasta shells.

[@deannagrant2845]

What a wonderful thing you are doing for your neighbor!!

[@BrokeButBountifullyBlessed799]

I'm a senior and go to two pantries each week. Weather permitting. I can stockpile a bit for bad weather. This past January, I couldn't leave my apartment for three weeks. For the most part, I did fine. I did buy a bunch of celery and a two pound bag of carrots. Love this video. Can't wait to check out the rest of your channel.

[@tamarar.4642]

I get those from my neighbors. I then turn around and cook a meal to take back to them or anybody lol 😂. I had three packs of banana muffins. I added real bananas, cinnamon, and a few chocolate chips. My daughter and I delivered muffins to 8 neighbors the next morning. We homeschool so that was our outing for the day. Then we rode to the park on bikes to do school lol 😂. I LOVE helping people! You inspire me to do more!

[@hospitalfood6621]

This is a very good video. And yes, they vary quite a bit location to location. I’ve had some who gave the stale bread and cans of sauerkraut to ones that give meats, milk, eggs and fresh vegetables( a wonderful local one just right down the road from me) This particular pantry would amaze you at its set up. They even give butter! Thank you for posting this video and making others aware of this topic. I would love to see more of these!

[@terryodom6073]

What you have done for your neighbor is the most selfless act of kindness. You have gone above and beyond for your viewers and your discomfort is greatly appreciated. I know first hand that the discomfort of going to food banks is great but the need for help is greater and helps take some of the sting out. Thank you so much. May God bless you and yours.

[@TheFrugalMom0507]

I am a food pantry client. I go to several in my area. By doing so I can keep us well fed. Different pantries have different items. Most of the ones I go to let their clients “shop” so we can pick what we’ll actually use. It’s such a huge blessing.

[@jmiller3579]

It also helps those who have specific dietary needs

[@stephaniecolbert3444]

This is good for the soul. Thanks 😊!!

[@MyButterfly60]

I did hear from people that donations are way down all over so they can only work with what they have. Those who can help please do!

[@LovinLife-pv7op]

God bless you for helping out your neighbor.

[@kninemama6228]

Very thought-provoking video. It would be interesting to see you try to make meals out of the donations each week. Thanks for the perspective❤

[@siasia3376]

Yes, seeing what you can come up with with the haul foods would be great!

[@laurenr5095]

I was thinking about this too. Because looking at some of the hauls you would have to be pretty creative.

[@barbaraexume]

Thank you for giving your neighbor the food. There are so many people that can't get to food pantry s. .

[@donnamcclenton7340]

You are awesome .. And I personally want to thank you, because I too have cerebral palsy and don’t drive and use paratransit and we can’t bring a lot of bags on the van.. and so I try to catch food on sale and I portion and freeze..,I have to budget .. I try to keep about 2 weeks to a month of food on hand, because cerebral palsy is a very painful condition abb no d some days I can barely walk.. but one of the things I do is keep a inventory list and I just update it as I use things.. I also keep most food scraps and freeze and when I get a gallon ziplock bag or two filled I make soup and portion out and freeze…. Now what got me was no dry beans..

[@onmyway7363]

Here I am. 🌺 I like to write down these lists, and then make a menu using these items. Great budget exercise for the brain 😊

[@Maru-wl7ud]

You're a very good human being.

[@omalleysmith9100]

This video shows why its SO important to support your local food bank/pantry with donations of food or money. So many people will be using these places in 2023, I'm sure. Interesting video!

[@laurasharp9488]

Why do you say these things?Tech workers are losing their jobs and will find other jobs pretty quickly.

[@laurenr5095]

@@laurasharp9488 you can be employed and have an income and still fall on hard times. All it takes is one unexpected thing to happen.

[@anniealexander9616]

The people who run the food bank, steal the food....they give out what they don't want.

[@geraldinelucas3143]

I volunteer at two pantry give away's thru two separate churches we rely very little on the Food Bank picking up from as many as eight grocery stores one open twice a week the other twice a month. You would have to seek out several different give away's to get enough to live on for a month. I myself go to others other than the ones I volunteer at because I pick up as well for seniors in my mobile home park which is a senior park. Some weeks we haven't any meat at one but last Friday we got three bags. The other one that is open twice a month gives a full bag of meat each time. I think you need to seek out all of the pantry give away's in the area and pick out the ones you feel give out what you require. Volunteering is a joy and I love it.

[@annetterose8948]

Food pantries are meant to assist you in stretching either what you have or your ebt. Food banks are not meant to feed your family all meals.

[@shalondachaney9467]

This is a tue statement.

[@janicegermain5522]

This is true, but to be honest this is not much "help" at all. People are struggling, and in these unfortunate times, "food bank" food may be all they have. I guess if we've never been in that circumstance it would be hard to comprehend (especially if you are totally on your own without much support or means). Canada NEEDS to do better so people don't have to have to rely on food banks (period)!

[@lisachurchill1185]

Is Meals on Wheels available in your area? It's great for those who are elderly and cannot get out! I hope your elderly neighbor is able to get community support. Thank you for taking her food! and Thanks for sharing this video! Building a pantry is the way to go! * I just cannot stop adding to this comment lol... I would have expected you to get at least powered milk, butter, bread - just to name a few from your pantry. It shows just how low pantries are!! I have been hearing how low food banks are for some time (I'm a news junky!). BUT your video shows just how low.

[@jamescoyne5592]

I hope means on wheels is better in your area. My mother had meals on wheels for a short time . What she got was very small and looked inedible.

[@lisachurchill1185]

@@jamescoyne5592 I actually don't know what meals on wheels offers in my area. I was just suggesting something since it seemed to me that the elderly neighbor needed help. Thanks for sharing what you know of meals on wheels, and what you said about them is just mind-blowing to me. You'd think a charity like that would treat our seniors better!

[@jamescoyne5592]

@@lisachurchill1185 what my mother would get looked like a small tv dinner. The banquet tv dinners looked bigger. a fruit and a tiny carton of milk. One meal. I'm not saying it is that way everywhere. I'm just saying from my mother's experience. It wouldn't sustain anyone.

[@teamshoemaker]

It depends on the food pantry. I am on the board of our local one. It is NOT meant to be all month, but most people might need a little help, especially once food stamps run out. At the time of an emergency, they would give extra help to help someone start. The state has determined poverty level which they must abide by- and people can go once a month. It is good that you show a reality based bag. People with drastic issues should immediately seek state aid. Everyone should attempt to have a little bit ahead in case of storm, illness, emergency, or, unfortunately we know now, pandemic.

[@vickicf8960]

The problem is that when people don't qualify for future stamps because of a few dollars and they have bills to pay that bill money comes out of their food budget.And that's why they're using the pantry so they might not have food stamps or anything else to spend on food.

[@bethyoung4030]

I do attend food pantries. Last week I received a pack of bacon and a can of tuna for protein, several cans of vegetables, and a peanut butter. Usually the meat is frozen as it is expired but still good. It would be helpful if food pantries gave milk, or shelf stable milk, potatoes, and produce. But I know they are limited in what they can afford as well.

[@skittlesskittles7577]

Tfs this! Very insightful as I donate as often as possible and always wonder what people need/want most. Meat was one of my guesses and I can totally why by your video! If anyone has any other suggestions I would really appreciate them. ❤️

[@louiseanderson4653]

Food banks are a charity they donate out of kindness, they were never meant to feed your family daily that is what government assistance is for

[@desertfamilyhomestead3127]

We haven’t needed a food pantry for many years now thankfully but if we did need to use them again we have many options available in our local area. We live in between two communities that we could utilize their food banks/pantries, the next town over has a monthly distribution. Our actual town has two that you can get food every three months, two you can get from monthly, one you can get from twice a month and 3 or 4 you can do weekly(all Churches), we might be limited on the type of food we would get but I think we would be okay, especially since I volunteer monthly at a produce distribution and I get free produce in return and I am able to get it in bulk at the end and I can, freeze and dehydrate it for later use. For example in April and May we had blackberries, blueberries and strawberries in abundance and I have the following amount of gallon ziplock bags in my freezer: blackberries-2, blueberries-3, strawberries-8! It really helps stretch things out.

[@p.mckenzie2921]

What kind lady you are I hope you’re friend doing better.🤗🥰

[@Saoirse.n.Murphy]

We visit two pantries here in rural Massachusetts. One offering is similar to what you are exhibiting. The other is where we are able to pick up canned and frozen protein, and eggs, milk, yogurt, fresh fruit/vegies (the jail practices hydroponic gardening for onions/lettuce), fresh breads and bakery items, and a variety of canned goods. Both pantries are in rural towns with limited means, but quite different. The latter you wait in line and walk through to choose what is best for your family needs and the one bag is a drive through line. Thank goodness they are available as I lost my job on 4/2. All the best, Peace

[@Hazel_aka.cadie08]

My grandpa runs a food pantry at his church, he took over from someone who had previously done a (I don’t want to say bad but) bad job of giving out the food, he lets the ppl come in and pick out what they want for I believe a week, and he has had not a tone but a few ppl come get food, now my grandpa has been doing stuff like this for years, when he went to a different church it was posted that if you need food you call his number and he would give them food from his own pantry and would still do that every once in a while before he opened the pantry.

[@beckyryan407]

You are a wonderful person seeing this and how selfless you are made me subscribe to your channel. It's amazing that you worry about helping out your neighbors. I cook all the time and make sure my neighbors get fed as well.

[@AlienTurkey7]

Have a stockpile is so important! We have gluten allergies so a lot of those items we wouldnt be able to eat either. So important stock up when you can.

[@glendabenard3772]

It is to help you not totally feed you for a full month. I'm very thankful for what ever I get. May want to plan around what the food pantry gives you.

[@johndale3231]

My family and I just came across your video on my suggested list. Let me start off by saying that it is nice of you to help your neighbor out. We live in SW Arkansas and the food pantry here gives out pretty much the same thing as you received. My wife picks up a once monthly bag for her friend (single mom, two kids) because the mom works during the pantry hours and can't make it there herself. Each month is pretty much the same thing...6 ramen (2 for each family member), 6 cans cranberry sauce (2 for each family member), 1 hot or cold cereal, 1 can veg, 1 can fruit, 1 protein (either a packet of hotdogs or bologna or a jar of peanutbutter), and 1 personal item (toilet paper or shampoo usually). Occasionally there's an extra table and you can choose one item from it. I'm not throwing off on what is given out it feeds hungry mouths in the area. 👍

[@everydaywithmarciewhittt]

Some people go to multiple pantries

[@PreppingAngel]

I would love to have food pantries in my area. Folks are lucky there is a food pantry there. Here in my area of TN there are none. Sometimes 4 months out of a year a local church has give a ways where you drive up, they ask how many people are in the family and they load it in your car. The items may last a family of 3 maybe a week or stretching some products out to two weeks. I guess the rest of the year they just starve. idk.

[@ccinvestigations9882]

My husband, youngest son and i recently moved to Maine and the food pantries we have access to are amazing. There are two we go to because i am the only one working. One is a once a month pantry, and you can go in and choose a certain amount of items from each shelf, then you can usually get milk and eggs and butter, and they usually have a good stock of produce, plus you can pick a couple of frozen meats; the other one has even more produce, three frozen items, a couple of personal items and other than a restriction on bread and canned meats, you can usually stock upon whatever you want and they don't mind how much you take as long as you can use it. That one is a twice a month food pantry, and they call you to schedule your monthly visits.

[@alinewright1093]

I know people use food stamps and food banks. They go to the food banks first then go grocery shopping.

[@arlenegomes5520]

I also wanted to say that I've watched other videos where people went to a food pantry in other states (like PA) and they got so much food! Meat, fresh veggies and fresh fruit included. I watched a video where this guy puts a video on every time he goes to the food pantry and he shows what he gets and OMG you have to see all the food he gets. I'm shocked at the amount. I guess it depends on where you live and what the food pantry gets in donations.

[@iamloved223]

It's gotten so bad we have a monthly Feeding America food distribution. I volunteered for the Thanksgiving distribution during the first year we lived here. They had TONS of leftover food at the end, the first 50 people got a turkey, and they gave out almost all the fixings for a Thanksgiving dinner. Maybe 60 people came through the line. This year I volunteered again. Everyone got one small box of weird, almost bad produce. There were over 250 people that came through the line.

[@bethyoung4030]

That makes a lot of sense. I went to a FeedAmerica distribution many months ago. Received no meat or protein but got a loaf of bread, 24 yogurts, muffins, and a bag of apples. I was about 1/2 way in the long line.

[@girlygirl1890]

WOW!!! You are sooooo unselfish and giving for doing that for your neighbor when you didn't have to. I must say that good things will come to you in your life. There should be more, more, and did I say MORE people out there like you. You are doing God's work and good on you for that. Blessings to you always.

[@lindagilbert9491]

Another idea that might help someone in need of food is for that person to volunteer to assist the pantry with doing the distribution on distribution days. The pantry may offer their volunteers an extra bit of any foods that may be left over when the distribution hours have come to a close. Also, volunteering or participating in community social organizations such as VFW, church, or American Legion etc in their community may be a way to access free available foods provided at different gatherings. Bringing a dish of lima beans or corn to a group potluck dinner can provide a person with a very satisfying meal and those who help in the kitchen for clean up may find they are given leftovers to take home. Volunteers are welcome at most community events.

[@Benjamin.A.]

went back to see one of your older videos and this is quite interesting, appreciate you sharing these things!

[@arlenep517]

I can assure you that you are a blessing to this woman...God bless you..

[@teresamohr9718]

My pantry gives you enough for the whole month mostly can goods toilet paper and meat they do give us some laundry detergent but no so much produce I think it depends on the location

[@wilmabaker4500]

I have and your right , I is not a good feeling having to ask anyone for food.

[@laurie66]

I guess the mom is coming out in me but if I were able to volunteer at a food bank I would at least try to put together a bag with a meal plan in mind like beans and tomato sauce for chili or canned chicken with rice and gravy maybe some mixed vegetables. Idk something like that, not just throw a bunch of stuff in a bag that can’t be combined somehow. Good job for helping your neighbor, I used to have an elderly lady who lived alone and I would take her a plate of whatever we were having for dinner everyday so she would have a hot meal.

[@bethyoung4030]

Oh my gosh, my exact thoughts!! Food pantries need to think of meals when packing bags.

[@belindascountryliving]

New to your channel i to pick up for other people and i share and cook meals foor older people in my area that i help care for one is 97 yrs ypung and a 88 yr young and a 78 yr man. All live alone. Thank you for sharing

[@christygreen9550]

I recently started going to a food pantry. There are several to choose from in my area. Of the 4 times I've gone, I've gotten meat each time, chk, pork chops , ground Turkey, & marinated meat. So interesting. I'm in Ca

[@themeatymama]

Wow! That sounds great.

[@MUSTANG96CSR]

same here, gluten sensitivity. just went to the food bank for the first time since I was a single parent. I'm retired, a recent widow, on SS and considering going back to work asap. most of the food I received wasn't gluten free, but they did give me 2 large bags of frozen meat. breaded chicken and Tyson chicken nuggets. I couldn't eat them but I gave the non gluten free items to my daughter and her family. 5 boxes pop tarts, 2 packages dessert type rolls, 1 package bake and serve rolls, spaghetti noodles, boxes of mac and cheese, rice mixes. I wish I could eat that stuff but I would be sick for a week at least. they really loaded me up with food and gave me a list of other food pantries in the area, as well.

[@glendagreen6724]

I never knew a Food Bank was suppose to be a sustainable source, only supplement your own grocery items. I still believe that to be true.

[@alisonquinto2630]

Food pantries are not there to feed you totally but to help you out they are there to help you get some extra food in case you cannot afford to buy much.

[@sjordan7085]

Very true, and the wise are Mindful Preppers. Even if one preps only a small amount of food from Grocery Outlet Stores, it adds up. Even if one lives in a small apartment it is possible to grow lettuces, arugula and tomatoes along with sprouts to provide fresh salads. Eating meat is expensive on many levels, not least for animals and the environment, as well as one's health. A Plant-based diet is less expensive and healthier, eating organic foods that are home grown lessens one's risk of cancer. Your Food Pantry is very generous to provide so much food and such a variety. Thank you for sharing with your neighbour, I am sure she appreciates your thoughtfulness. Only have a freezer if you also have a generator to run it if the power goes off for extended periods causing all the frozen food to be wasted. Freeze dried, dried, and canned foods last a long time.

[@cindyfroese2835]

Sorry that you are struggling but still give to others.. What a kind person you are

[@tonistrickland4983]

What a nice thing you're doing for your neighbor. Was wondering if she's disabled & no transportation is she eligible to receive "Meals on Wheels". Another thing you could do is maybe see what she's able to afford in groceries & can help set her up with Walmart delivery online. If you get to where you don't need assistance from the food pantry, maybe still go if you have time & just give her the bag of food. Those bags can be a big help & makes it less $$$ she needs to spend at the store. You are a good person for doing this!

[@CuteKittyF]

That was nice of you to do

[@ja7124]

I couldn’t eat half of the items there. With so many ppl dealing with food allergies or diabetes you would think food banks would have different items for ppl with medical issues. That’s just me.

[@finnsfrolic4328]

It also depends on the funding of the food pantry and the resources available to them. Some pantries rely on just the larger multi-county Food Bank and small donations (which appears what you have been receiving). Others have that and pickups from grocery stores, Mom and Pop stores, meat markets and have more donations. USDA is also available to some pantries.

[@nadeawilliams7749]

This is my first time seeing you on KZbin. The food pantries give what they can, they also are not designed to help with food needs, NOT. buy all your food!! Please stop being so negative and complain about free food! Thank you for helping your neighbor.

[@kathleennece715]

If necessary, I think it’s ok to go to more than one pantry if needed. Our little town of 1750 population Actually has two food pantries. I must say, our food pantries offer twice as much food. I have heard that the donations to food pantries are much less now, but that’s not so in our little town. So thankful.

[@patriciayauger9535]

It is so nice you give the lady some of the food you got, sorry about the Lady husband. And you did great at the food Pantry, it is a blessing, congratulations. ❤

[@glendagreen6724]

Agree everyone should have some food stocked up in reserve for whatever.

[@retroredux1]

I would definitely say if you can, please continue to go to these food pantries and pick up the food and give them to the lady. If she is on public assistance this might be able to be the few meals that she needs to get her through the month. Also like you said it doesn't sound like she has close family or friends and this may be one of the few contacts with people that she gets when you come to visit to bring her the food.

[@retroredux1]

Also the reason that you received the big tags of almonds, dates and things like that? Those are commodities that they get through governmental subsidy programs. American farms are given subsidies to produce those for food pantries and food banks. In our area we also get boxes of fresh produce. A lot of times it is the ugly produce. Meaning what's too small, or misshapen to sell in a regular store. They do subsidies and it's given out at food banks. Still perfectly edible, just not to grocery store standards.

[@michellehackett9335]

Your a wonderful lady for caring for your neighbor like you are not many people would do that

[@Suzad75]

I volunteer at a food pantry and noticing they give out less ever since Covid. I miss helping them pick out stuff as we go around the tables. Now we just prepackaged the items.

[@adrianakessler384]

My father in law volunteered at one by us. He had a few items given to him for helping, but he didn’t need it. They had a Walmart donating, and they gave some good things like salad kits, blueberries 🫐, etc., but I know I had an uncle that was laid off when I was a kid, and it looked like the stuff you were getting. I know from donating, they always for dry & sustainable items, but I wish they would think of what people actually eat. I guess if they would all have a Walmart or something donating, it would look much better.

[@nancylowery4504]

When I drop of things at our food pantry I try to do like couple things enough for a meal like two spaghetti sauce and and pasta! I remember how it was raising my son ,don't have slot but like to share!

[@RayrayMCrews]

I just recently went to food bank after many years of thankfully not needing to go by hard times have hit us and I went to one That is monthly, it had a lot of the same items the same pasta sauce as you, a small thing of peanut butter, a few assorted can vegetables, and so on. they gave us one of those bags but for the whole month, and I'm very grateful for what we received but There's 6 of us and something you're getting for a week. Is supposed to help us for a month so i'm looking for another food bank I do not like going to more than one but I have to do what I have to do right now. In other words, I found a couple allow you to come more than once a month. So I'm hoping when I go I'm get a little more help. But Believe me, I'm very grateful.

[@cheriemoore1176]

Anything free is a blessing ❤️ its more blessed to give than receive.

[@tracieschrock9519]

food pantries are very different from each other...it depends on the donations...in my area we don't even have pantries...we few churches serve 1 hot meal 2x a week for about a 4 hour window...every 3 months a government truck distribution at the park....that's it.

[@frugalcampermama]

I’m really surprised at what they provide. We can go once a month. We shop their store with a volunteer who tells us how many of each category we can have. Plus we get fresh produce, eggs, shelf stable milk, fresh bread, hot or cold cereal, at least 2 meats, it’s a lot but not enough for a month for 2 people.

[@roxanes43]

So heartbreaking for your neighbor and nice of you to help! Godspeed to your family.

[@heatheramyprice]

you didn't have to financially qualify to be able to pick up from the food pantry? Or did you just tell them you were picking up for a family who does qualify? how did that work? also, I wouldn't expect a food pantry to provide ALL the food a family eats in a week--- everyone who qualifies to get from a food pantry would also get snap/ebt/foodstamps whatever it's called in your area, no? Prayers for the woman who lost her husband and I hope she's getting a lot of help with her needs including your food donations. I'm surprised how high in sodium everything is from the food bank...... here, we have food banks who provide apples and potatoes and celery and other fresh foods--- I have a friend who qualifies for food bank and she gave me apples and potatoes and pasta one week because she didn't need it all. Hopefully there are food banks everywhere that provide such foods and the one you used simply wasn't a good example of that, I don't know. Thank you for the awareness.

[@hospitalfood6621]

We have food pantry/banks here that are like this one, some that are atrocious and a couple that have fresh fruits and vegetables, milk, etc. unfortunately though, I think most are like the one she goes to. I can’t complain, something is better than nothing. But yes, pantries vary so much it’s amazing.

[@retroredux1]

The food banks here do not ask for proof of income. So it could be people that get food stamps, but it could also be people who might make a little too much and do not get food stamps or get a small amount and it would help supplement their food budget. I agree with what you said food pantry is not going to supply all a person's needs. It's just some extra food that will hopefully help people make it through the month. And it definitely varies from food bank to food bank. Most of the time you will see very similar things from week to week or month to month at the food pantry because they get these items from their regional food banks, which in turn are able to buy volumes of food at a great discount as well as getting subsidy food from the federal government.

[@siasia3376]

I really enjoyed this video! I would love to see more like this!

[@dawnturner7055]

You seem like an amazing person!...the drive in you for your family...is inspiring ❤️

[@lisaparrish1241]

God Bless You All. Thank you for sharing.

[@carolparker2392]

Not enough of course, thank you for showing so we can all donate more

[@cheriemoore1176]

Make her dinners for a week. Grieving is hard

[@SteffieInTheChi]

I'm in Chicago and also do Gig work for my income at this time. We don't go often, but I have a cousin that knows the in & out of the different food pantries. We can get a variety of things, staples like you've gotten, but also fresh produce, eggs, and sometimes on certain days meat (10lb bags of chicken, ham, etc). The trick is to know the location of multiple pantries. Also don't feel a certain type of way about going, if it's what you need to do to take care of your family then but your pride aside, we ask the Lord to provide we can't always choose how. At least you are paying it forward and not letting what you can't use go to waste. Take care.

[@SteffieInTheChi]

@marlenearocho3680 In neighborhoods where considered a food desert, there are community refrigerators.

[@teresapennington9675]

those food psantry get lot more then they want people to think ' some grocery stores give lot to them . they have churches helps to . i have had do it before not now . . the workers take some best stuff home

[@lucindavoris7376]

It's a blessing to be able to get some food. Each week. I used to do this daily for 5 families. Had freezers full. Fed the church on Wednesdays and Sundays

[@jackiegromacki686]

In slot of the areas the pantry and churches provide alit of food. Most of the time you have to resource more than one place. Last year a church near me gave out hamburger meat from a butcher.

[@carlahabeck4051]

Wow! I am so surprised at this! Myy husband and I qualify for assistance at our local food bank once a month and rarely leave with less than two FULL bags of canned/boxed fooed and thee packages of meat (or canned meat)! It wouldn't be enough to feed us for a month but I guess we aren't as needy as some. I wonder what accounts for the difference? We are in Washington state. Are you able to go to other locations? Is this common in Florida?

[@justamum9996]

You should not be ungrateful to have the donations for the food from the pantry l go to one in Australia from Brenda langdon

[@vickicf8960]

I work for a community action agency and you should never have to feel strange about asking for help. We exist to help people. We have to send funding back if people dont use our services. If you're in need please please please reach out otherwise the money gets sent to war not the needy.

[@poorboychronicles64]

Very nice haul!!

[@diepintomylife]

You really have such a good heart. ❤️

[@janicerhoades8851]

The mission we volunteer at gives families 75 lbs of food. If you have children you can come twice a month. I have sit down and drew up menus and this will feed a family for a month. Maybe the mission you are going to doesn’t have access to a stocked food bank.

[@lauraharvey7424]

I agree with you 100% especially with allergies my daughter has medical celiac and can’t have any foods with wheat, gluten etc I have shellfish and fish allergy we also have intolerance of most dairy products. Sadly 😢 a lot of what is given can’t be used for us.

[@lisamariesmith3610]

Try going to church food banks too and whatever other resources are around. It’s not easy but I’m glad you’re helping your neighbors.

[@jenniferashley99]

I had a flat tire and rent due, huge disaster. I do store food and snacks. This past two weeks have eaten from my stash. I'm out so today going Doordashing...the one thing I need to stash is my pets food. Also, with Doordash can't really depend on that as my area is full of drivers

[@katherinemeacham7809]

the food pantry is only meant to sustain you for 1 week ! its not a grocery haul what you got was just about right here ! they have feeding america the gives you commodities and the salvation army that gives out food and commodities here ! once a month look up days and times in your area that they give things away here !

[@iolacowgirl]

I just found your channel today and am really liking it! Not to be rude but where is your kids dad? Does he help y'all at all? I'm just concerned and hope y'all are doing good. I realize this vid was a year ago. Have a great day!

[@themeatymama]

We are doing great. :)

[@finnsfrolic4328]

211 is a national phone number which is available to guide you to resources in a time of need. Thank you for helping your neighbors!

[@Suebearish]

They are all so different. Have seen food pantry hauls where you could have eaten for a month

[@kathleenlangstaff5039]

Oh, I had to follow you! Retired, good pension, no need for foodbanks - there but for the grace of God. However, very interested in the plight of everyday people in this economy. Watch many foodbank haul videos from Europe & America. There is a single older woman on here gets enough meat from her hauls to feed a family but at least half of hauls have no protein except for eggs. And in most cases there is not enough good to feed even 2 people for more than a week or two. Worst off is Britain, many people there only ate if they give up heating last winter.

[@Pammy-wi1li]

I think it varies . here in NJ, always a full chicken, bread, pasta and canned food..sometimes milk and eggs

[@tracymayer-hv6rb]

Thank you for sharing, it’s very interesting. I didn’t realize that the amount was so small. My family moved a few months ago. We had way too much food to move so we donated to a local food bank. Apparently, everything went very quickly.

[@Lisawhatshersname]

I went through my cabinets and donated 2 banana boxes full to a local food pantry where I volunteer. Together with the basics bought from the food bank, my donations and our regular donation of meats and breads/pastries from a local grocery store, it all went in two days. Two days! Yeah,we go through a lot of food, but we're only open two days per month.