This week’s Food Savvy Friday follows up on our conversation about food insecurity by providing some tips for visiting food pantries. We will touch on when to go, what to bring, how to decide which foods are best for you, and more.
Here are some tips to help make your food pantry experience a little easier, whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced customer.
- Show up at the ideal times:
This may include coming early, so that you don’t have to wait long in line, and going midweek when it’s typically less crowded. Look to see if the pantry requires reservations as well.
- Remember any documentation:
Sometimes this includes your I.D. or something else to verify your address. At the MBC, remember to bring your student MCard!
- Think about meal options:
Before you take something, think about it in terms of the meals you can make and what other items you already have that will go well with it. Then you can fill in any gaps with items from the grocery store. The best plan is to go to the pantry before you go to the store so you can plan out meals based on what you’ve already received.
- Ask for help:
If you have special needs or dietary restrictions, the pantry may be able to assist you and provide ideas for items in stock that may fit your needs.
- Look into other programs:
If the pantry is something that you really benefit from, try looking into other assistance programs such as WIC (Women Infant Children) or SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) to see if you are eligible. The MBC is a great resource if you need help finding information! They have immediate access to resources, such as helpful brochures, as well as a comprehensive list of local resources in the Ann Arbor area.
Lastly, if you’re in need of some inspiration, most food pantries list recipes on their websites that incorporate items commonly in stock. Some examples from the Maize & Blue Cupboard are lentil soup, breakfast burrito, green bean casserole and more. Check out the “recipes” tab on their website for more ideas!