Food

Access to food is a fundamental need for individuals and families to live a healthy and happy life. For those who lack access to proper nutrition, food resources and support are essential. These resources include food banks, soup kitchens, pantries, school meal programs, meal delivery services, government assistance, and other donated or discounted food sources. With these resources, individuals and families can ensure they have enough food to provide for their basic needs. Additionally, many of these programs offer education and nutritional advice to help people make healthy choices with the available food. Investing in food support and resources is crucial for creating a healthier and more equitable society.

Check out these yummy recipes that can be made with common food bank donations!

Here are three recipes that you can use with common food bank donations:

1. Rice and Bean Bowl:

Ingredients:

- 1 cup cooked brown rice.
- 1 cup cooked black beans
- 1/2 cup canned corn
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine cooked brown rice, black beans, canned corn, and diced tomatoes.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Top with sliced avocado and chopped fresh cilantro.
4. Enjoy as is or add a dollop of sour cream or salsa, if desired.

2. Tomato Soup

Ingredients:

- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat a large pot over medium heat and add olive oil.
2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
3. Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, dried basil, and dried oregano.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 15-20 minutes.
5. Use an immersion blender or transfer to a blender and blend until smooth
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot!

3. Oatmeal Banana Pancakes

Ingredients:

- 1 banana
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Oil or butter for cooking

Instructions:

1. Mash the banana in a large bowl.
2. Add rolled oats, egg, milk, honey or sugar, baking powder, and salt, and stir until well combined.
3. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add oil or butter.
4. Scoop 1/4 cup of pancake batter onto the skillet for each pancake.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until the edges are dry.
6. Top with fresh fruit, maple syrup, or yogurt, if desired.
7. Serve hot!

Ways To Save At The Grocery Store

Here are 7 ways to save money at the grocery store:

1. Make a grocery list:

Creating a grocery list before you go shopping will help you stick to buying only what you need and avoid impulse purchases. This can save you money in the long run.

2. Plan meals in advance:

Plan meals in advance so you can buy only the ingredients you need. This will prevent you from buying unnecessary items and help you save money.

3. Buy in bulk:

Buying in bulk can save you money in the long run, especially on non-perishable foods like rice, beans, or pasta. Make sure you have enough storage space before buying in bulk.

4. Shop seasonal produce:

Seasonal produce is often less expensive and fresher. Research what fruits and vegetables are currently in season and plan your meals accordingly.

6. Use coupons and sales:

Look for sales and coupons in weekly ads or online. This can help you save money on specific items or overall grocery bills.

7. Shop at the right time:

Many grocery stores offer discounts on certain days or at certain times of day. Check with your local grocery stores to see if they offer discounts during certain times. Additionally, shopping later in the day can result in markdowns on perishable items that are nearing their expiry date.

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