What's in a food box from the South Plains Food Bank?

This afternoon, I received a call from a donor. He had just received our most recent newsletter. While he supports the South Plains Food Bank he wanted to see what people receive when they get a food box from us. He asked me to send samples but I thought a few pictures might do instead.

Normally we provide a box of dry goods, a box of frozen goods, plus any bread, produce, and dairy products we have received. We try to provide a variety of items that allow people to prepare a healthy, well balanced meal. OK, maybe the popcorn isn't part of a well balanced diet, but it is also fun to provide some snacks that folks can enjoy at home.

Some of the food comes from local food drives, such as the U-Can Share Food Drive, some comes from local grocers who donate food and perishable items, and some comes from the USDA TEFAP Commodity program. Here's a picture of the contents of a food box. Each food box is different but contains the same basic mix of items.

Everyone who receives a food box has been screened for eligibility by one of our agencies. The agency gives them a voucher which can be redeemed at the South Plains Food Bank for a food box. We work with about 230 different agencies throughout the South Plains. Not all them use vouchers. Some get food through the Food Bank and make their own food boxes.

As you can see, I am not much of a photographer nor a food stylist. But I hope you get the picture.