BAD BOYS
I hate canned vegetables, so these bad boys are being donated to the Scouts first thing tomorrow morning.
The good boys make collection runs for the local food bank at least every six months and they specifically ask for canned vegetables.
I’m more than happy to help! I buy the little nasties only because I want them on hand in case of a real emergency. But as long as I have fresh produce available at the grocery store, that’s what I’m going to use in my day-to day cooking.
Having a small variety of canned vegetables in my three-month supply means I’m actually better prepared to serve in the community. Insurance in a can. My loss is your gain. Not exactly Joan of Arc…
When we’re helping we’re happy.
Tags: donate through rotate, store canned veggies, support your local food bank
March 28th, 2009 at 9:43 am
Another interesting thing – did you know that the food bank will take items up to 3 years past their expiration date if they are in good shape and depending on the product? I am in the process of cleaning out my food storage room and called the Utah Food Bank just in case and was surprised to learn that they would take them. They are especially in need of condiments like mayonnaise, ketchup, etc. I often buy these things on sale in bulk and before reading your book didn’t know exactly how many I needed – so glad they won’t go to waste!
March 28th, 2009 at 10:18 am
That’s helpful to know! Thanks Kayla! I make cracks but this type of donation plan totally reminds me of the principle of gleaning that we learn in the Bible. There’s no need to waste our food storage items if we’re aware of the needs all around us.
March 28th, 2009 at 8:00 pm
The only veggie we like in a can is corn. We do have some green beans too, but they don’t get eaten very quickly. I will absolutely use them in case of emergency and be very grateful to have them, but on a regular basis…fresh is just so much preferred.
Joyce
March 28th, 2009 at 9:49 pm
That’s true Joyce. Canned corn and even some canned green beans aren’t all that bad. I have quite a few of both of those and they do get used in regular recipes. I still buy a few additional canned veggies for emergency substitutions in specific recipes but always HOPE that they will sit on the shelf and patiently wait their turn to be transfered to the food bank. WIN WIN!
March 30th, 2009 at 9:00 am
Well, I totally disagree. What if you can’t get to the supermarket? What if a diaster strikes, such as a trucking strike, or worse? What if your garden is small or minimal due to location?
We store and eat canned veggies and fruit. While they are not the favorite, as compared with fresh and frozen, we have found ways to make them better.
Try rinsing them in water, adding new water to the pot and then some butter/margarine and some dried herbs for the veggies.
Fruit tastes best if rinsed and served cold from the fridge.
March 30th, 2009 at 3:17 pm
Thanks for standing up for canned goods, L.J.! They don’t have to be our first choice to be useful. Stuff happens and canned fruits and vegetables would be sooooo much better than NO fruits or vegetables. You make a great point. And thank you for the cooking/serving tips.