GIVE WHAT THEY NEED

Robyn decided to do something novel during a recent donation visit to her local foodbank and her findings are insightful. I truly hope that after you read this post you are compelled to Print It and Post It in your office. We are so fortunate that those that can, will make donations to a local foodbank. Use of local foodbanks have increased significantly everywhere.

So, she decided to speak to people getting food at a food bank and here are some things she learned from those in need:

1. Everyone donates Kraft Mac and Cheese in the box. They can rarely use it because it needs milk and butter which is hard to get from regular food banks. 2. Boxed milk is a treasure, as kids need it for cereal which they also get a lot of. 3. Everyone donates pasta sauce and spaghetti noodles. 4. They cannot eat all the awesome canned veggies and soup unless you put a can opener in too or buy pop tops. 5. Oil is a luxury but needed for Rice a-Roni which they also get a lot of. 6. Spices or salt and pepper would be a real Christmas gift. 7. Tea bags and coffee make them feel like you care. 8. Sugar and flour are treats. 9. They fawn over fresh produce donated by farmers and grocery stores. 10. Seeds are cool in Spring and Summer because growing can be easy for some. 11. They rarely get fresh meat. 12. Tuna and crackers make a good lunch. 13. Hamburger Helper goes nowhere without ground beef. 14. They get lots of peanut butter and jelly but usually not sandwich bread. 15. Butter or margarine is nice too. 16. Eggs are a real commodity. 17. Cake mix and frosting makes it possible to make a child’s birthday cake. 18. Dishwashing detergent is very expensive and is always appreciated. 19. Feminine hygiene products are a luxury and women will cry over that. 20. Everyone loves Stove Top Stuffing. 21. Diapers 22. Wipes 23. Buns 24. Baked goods 25. Potatoes 26. Nuts 27. Seeds for eating or cooking 28. Raisins 29. Dishwashing pods 30. Rags and cleaning supplies 31. Pet food 32. Pet supplies

In all the years she had donated food at the Holidays, she bought what she thought they wanted, but had never asked. I am glad she did. If you are helping a Family this Christmas, maybe this can help you tailor it more. It does for me!"

BTW, until I read this, I was one the "Everyone" who donated Kraft Mac and Cheese ... lots of it.