So, I spoke to people getting food at a food bank and here are some things I 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 childโs 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.
In all the years I have donated food at the Holidays, I bought what I thought they wanted, but have never asked. I am glad I did. If you are helping a Family this Christmas, maybe this can help you tailor it more. It does for me!
One day my 7yo wanted to make a poetry journal. Wrote a note asking people to send their poems. Put that note in every mailbox on our street.Waited at the top of the driveway.
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I said, โBuddy, just be prepared. Most people donโt write poems. Most donโt even read them.โ 1/2
Soulmates are friends too, not just lovers. Your soulmates naturally recognize you, vibe with you, and align with you. They understand you, appreciate you, support you, love you, heal with you, and grow with you. They make you feel beautiful in your own skin just for being YOU.
Find people who are curious. Who donโt mock what makes them uncomfortable. Who show empathy for how different people see the world. So many people are projecting their internal shame onto everyone around them. Let your inner circle be inspired.
@Theholisticpsyc Realizing that my parents canโt emotionally support me โ that they donโt have it in them to do so โ was an important step in my healing. I started giving myself what I needed. Releasing my expectations of them was the beginning of everything