In Time Of Darkness And Hope, Hunger And Home Economics Education

According to the November 20, 2008 Washington Post, calls to the Capital Area Food Bank’s Hunger Lifeline have more than tripled [up by 248%] in the past six months, compared with the same period last year.

Requested items for the Capital Area Food Bank:

Non-perishable Food Items

Canned Proteins (tuna, salmon, chicken, peanut butter)
Canned Fruits in Own Juices or Light Syrup (pineapples, peaches, and pears)
100% Fruit Juices (All sizes including juice boxes)
Grains (pasta, whole wheat pasta, rice, brown rice, macaroni and cheese)
Condiments (tomato based sauces, light soy sauce, ketchup, mustard, light salad dressings)
Low Sodium/ No Salt Added Canned Vegetables (mixed, green beans, corn)
Soups (beef stew, chili, chicken noodle, turkey rice)
Multigrain Cereal (cheerios, cornflakes, grapenuts, raisin bran)

Hygiene Products

Diapers
Deodorants for men and women
Feminine products
Toilet paper
Tissues
Soap
Toothpaste
Shampoo

Nutrition Education Programs

For cooking classes and cooking demonstrations, designed to teach life skills, cooking skills, meal planning, and nutrition to adults and children.
Brown rice (1 or 2 lb bags)
Flour (1 or 2 lb bags)
Barley (1 lb bag / box)
Olive and/or canola oil
Corn starch
Black beans (canned)
Garbanzo beans (canned)
Thyme (small size)

Kids Cafe

An evening meal served at after-school programs before a child goes home. Industrial sizes appreciated.
Applesauce
Juice (100% juice only)
Granola/fruit bars
Pasta sauce (no meat)
Graham Crackers
Corn Bread mix
Assorted Nuts and Dried Fruit
Peanut Butter and Jelly
Pretzels/Crackers
Paper/Plastic cups & plates
Plastic forks & spoons

Header photo credit: Anacostia River, Washington, D.C. (c) Anacostia Watershed Society. All rights reserved. With thanks.