My Friend's House

I remember a time shortly after moving to Oregon. I met a man standing at an off ramp asking for food. I happened to have an apple in my car. I rolled down my window and offered him my apple. Much to my embarrassment, I encountered a toothless smile and a gentle “No, thank you.” It never dawned on me to consider the dental health of a person. Obviously, I had some things to learn about what I offer to those that are hungry.

“I was hungry, and you gave me food to eat.”

Jesus

If you live outside, your food choices are limited to what you find discarded from someone else or what someone provides for you. Even if you have a “food card” to purchase food items, it won’t go far in a month. Some people are not welcomed into stores or are embarrassed to go inside. Others are walking many miles for other needed services.

Sack lunches are a convenient way to be prepared to help the hungry. They are perfect for handing out at an off-ramp stop at store entrances or wherever you come across someone that is hungry. When preparing food to pass on to someone, it’s good to prepare a sack lunch with food that contains protein, fresh fruit, and lots of calories. If you put perishables in the sack lunch, be sure to tell the recipient so that they eat it sooner than later.

Remember to make eye contact when you give someone a sack. Smile and introduce yourself. See if you can learn their name. Using a person’s name and having a brief conversation, brings dignity and helps ease the pains of mental health.

Did you know?

• Most people lost in homelessness have poor dental health and require soft foods.
• Sometimes those gifted sack lunches save them for later.  It’s important that perishable foods are given during cold weather or that you tell the recipient that there are perishables in the sack lunch.
• It is not uncommon for sack lunches to be shared or sacrificed for someone else.

Suggestions

• Preparing sack lunches can be a family event.  From the youngest to the oldest, there are items that can be added to the sack lunches besides food.  A handwritten encouraging note, or decoration of the sack itself can bring a smile to the face of the recipient.
• If you have perishables in your sack lunch, keep sack lunches refrigerated or in a cooler for transporting in your vehicle to prevent bacteria causing illness.  Follow the 2 hour rule for room temperature.  Remember room temperature is cooler than vehicle temperature.
• Sack lunches can be passed from your vehicle to someone signing at an off ramp if you are at a complete stop.

BE SMART. BE SAFE. BE COMPASSIONATE.

Needed Items

• #10 Paper bags
• Napkins
• PBJ sandwich (All seasons)
• Egg Salad sandwich (Winter)
• Tuna Salad sandwich (Winter)
• Meat and Cheese sandwich (Winter)
• String Cheese
• Hard Boiled Egg (Winter)
• Applesauce (No Apples)
• Fruit
• Protein Bars
• Chips
• Cookies

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