We can change the universe one family at a time! Today happens to host World Food Day – what better way to chat about giving back than to have tonight’s family meal initiate ways to contribute in an interesting and interactive setting? Let 3P map it all out for you with a few concepts you can make your own. Complete with two canteen style meals to help initiate your next adventure. Stand by as we lend a hand with on-hand props in your home to set the tone. Here are some fun and effective family ideas to spend time together, while helping causes close to your heart.
Our fast paced lifestyle sometimes causes our conversations and tasks to be “all about me”…been there, done that. Let’s allow our day to day life stand still for one meal-time and discover your kids and teens true passion. Taking a break from the trials and tribulations of our own challenges and focusing on others often refreshes and makes us appreciate what we have.
A 3P 30 minute Game-plan to give back: Keep it simple to make it happen!
1. Kick off your game-plan with a meal-plan:
* Prepare a big pot of Minestrone soup for a soup kitchen-type meal. This recipe comes from our friend and reader Nancy, who learned how to make it from her Mom. Our family, especially the kids…absolutely love it!
Ingredients:
– 1 Leek
– 4 Carrots
– 4 Zucchinis
– 2 bunches Red Swiss Chard
– 2 cans Kidney Beans (with liquid)
– 4 cups of water (or chicken broth for additional flavor)
– salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
1. In a large pot, saute Leek until soft in light olive oil
2. Add carrots and saute.
3. Add chard and zucchini to saute.
4. Add beans + liquids, water or broth and salt & pepper to taste. Boil for approx 10 minutes, then simmer for an additional 10 min.
5. Add a small drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese to serve.
* Whip up some of Sheila’s Family Favorite Mexican Mission Style Arroz Con Pollo. We’ve enjoyed this delicious recipe at a potluck in our home:
Ingredients:
3-4 chicken breasts, boneless & skinless, cut into bite size pieces
Oil
1 clove garlic
1/2 cup chopped onion or green onion
1 green bell pepper chopped
1 large can of diced tomatoes
1 can or 2 cups chicken broth
1 cup uncooked white rice
1/2 tsp cayanne pepper
2 tsps salt
Directions:
Heat oil, saute onion and green pepper until golden. Add chicken, cook slightly. Add tomato with juice and chicken broth, bring to a boil. Stir in rice, cayenne and salt. Cover and simmer over low heat until chicken and rice are tender and liquid is absorbed, about 20-40 minutes. No need to stir while cooking. Serve with warm flour tortillas!
…Or try some “take-out around the world” with different ethnic foods.
2. Here are some down & dirty DIY decor ideas to get going. Conversation starters: grab cans of food from the pantry to label with charitable topics. Include a small bowl full of thought-provoking questions: “Have you ever volunteered?” “Why should we make a difference?” “How can we help from home?” “Where does our food come from?”
3. Final step: Decision making dessert! The icing on the cake is developing an action plan for your causes and discussing the next steps. Grab a sweet treat, and discuss the fruits of your labor while honoring those who labored for you.
Easy Beginnings – Brainstorming ways to help without breaking the bank or causing more time restraints in an already hectic lifestyle:
A few 3P activities to discuss but feel free to carve out some of your own:
– Food Pantry Clean Up: clean out your pantry and gather unexpired non-perishables that will help others in need. Learn more about chances to feed the needy with 3 Square: www.threesquare.org
– Dish out dinner at a local soup kitchen. Take a look at available options, times, and locations HERE: www.foodpantries.org
– Harvest up a helping hand at a local farm. Gather up a few farming opportunities HERE: www.localharvest.org
– Bake up a bounty of treats for a nearby bake sale to help a charity. We’ll be a baking for a local Alzheimer’s Walk. www.alz.org
– Donate excess Halloween Candy to help others. This is a great element to start a gift-filled shoe box or two for Operation Christmas Child.
Let’s get this list growing – share with us some simple solutions to help others.
