Polymath Educational Café TLC

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.

**please check with your local food bank because many only accept “non-perishable” items, meaning no dairy/eggs/meat**

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, yet so important.

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.

Great input from Tricia Anne Meyerd

**Check with your local food pantry—every facility is different, so the wants and needs can vary**

We are no longer located in Springfield and reopening soon in Marshfield. Our phone number is 417-771-2224. Sorry for the inconvenience. We have tried to get Google to update numerous times. We will be open Sunday - Thursday when we reopen. Please like to keep this at top ( recommended by a customer)Thank you for your support.

Happy Mother's Day
Enjoy it!

Thank you for so many people coming by today. We sold out of so much stuff. All we have are some snacks and some sodas left. Will be in there off and on the next few days working on cleaning everything up and packing up equipment, so we no longer will have a regular hours. If we have the doors open you can come in and buy a drink and say hi to us. Thanks again for all your support. It's hard to believe how many people came by and gave hugs today!