Shining a Light on Hunger: Our Blessings Boxes

OUR MISSION IS TO SPREAD COMMUNITY AWARENESS BY PROVIDING EMERGENCY HUNGER RELIEF WITH NON-PERISHABLE FOOD TO BRIDGE THE GAP FOR PEOPLE WITH FOOD INSECURITY IN HARDIN COUNTY KENTUCKY, & THE SURROUNDING AREAS.

Items to Avoid

· Avoid glass jar foods in the heat of summer and cold of winter. They will explode in the box. Use your judgment with the weather on items you place in the box.

· Avoid keeping food in your box that has reached its expiration date. While some food is still good after the expiration date, use your judgement. We want to give the best quality food possible.

· Avoid putting razors or grooming shears in the box. Children may go to your box so it’s better to error on the side of caution.

· Avoid clothing. Your box may become a place others think is okay to donate old clothing, furniture, or household goods. There are other donation services like the Salvation Army or Goodwill that are better equipped to handle those items. However, in the winter we do suggest adding hats & gloves. In the summer, sun hats are a need as well.

· Avoid medications. As with razors or grooming shears, never put medication in the box. Even over-the-counter medications could be taken incorrectly, especially by children or those with allergies. Let’s keep everyone safe by avoiding medications. If your box is by a clinic or health department, put that information on the box so people can have a point of contact for their medical needs.

         IDEAL ITEMS TO PUT IN THE BLESSINGS BOXES

PROTEIN

· Tuna Canned

· Salmon Canned

· Chicken Canned

· Turkey Canned

· Ham Canned

· Potted Meat

· Sardines

· Spam

· Vienna Sausage

· Corned Beef Hash

· Beef Jerky

· Peanut Butter (Plastic Jar)

· Nutella

· Protein Bars

CANNED ITEMS

· Any Canned Vegetables

· Any Canned Fruit

· Chili

· Ravioli

· Soup

· Manwich

· Pasta Sauces

· Beans

· Lentils

HYDRATION

· Bottled Water

· Coffee / Tea

· Juice Boxes

· Gatorade

· Power aide

· Shelf Stable Dairy

· Hot Cocoa

DRIED FRUIT

· Raisins / Cranberries

· Dates / Figs

· Any Dried Fruit is acceptable

LEGUMES

· Black Beans

· Black eyed Peas

· Kidney Beans

· Lentils

· Lima Beans

· Pinto Beans

· Split Peas

· Chickpeas

BOXED FOOD

· Pancake mix

· Hamburger Helper

· Tuna Helper

· Cake or Muffin Mix

· Cornbread Mix

· Instant Potatoes / Gravy Packs

· Mac & Cheese

· Stuffing

· Instant Rice

SNACKS

· Peanut Butter Crackers

· Cheese Crackers

· Fruit Snacks & Fruit Cups

· Any Type of Nuts or seeds

· Granola Bars

· Pop Tarts

· Pudding Cups

· Chips

· Cookies

· Popcorn

· Rice Cakes

GRAINS

· Rice

· Pasta

· Quinoa

· Grits

· Oats

· Oatmeal

· Cornmeal

· Flour

· Bisquick

· Salt & Pepper

· Any Spices

CONDIMENTS

· Mustard

· Ketchup

· Mayonnaise

· Salad Dressings

· Syrup

· Honey

· Sugar

· Sugar Substitute

· Jelly

BABY ITEMS

· Diapers any size/Wipes

· Baby food

· Infant Cereals

· Formula

· Oral jel

· Baby Lotion/Shampoo

· Diaper rash ointment

TOILETRIES

· Shampoo / conditioner

· Bar soap / Liquid body soap

· Toothbrush/Toothpaste

· Floss/Mouthwash

· Denture Cleaner

· Brush/Comb/Hair Ties

· Deodorant

· Lotion

· Kleenex

· Feminine Hygiene Products

CLEANING PRODUCTS

· Bleach

· Dish Soap

· All-purpose Cleaner

· Toilet Bowl Cleaner

· Lysol

· Disinfectant Wipes

· Laundry Detergent

· Soft Soap/Hand Soap

· Sponges

Seasonal Suggestions

WINTER/FALL

Hats and gloves are encouraged. No clothing please!
Bread and Seasonal Produce

SPRING/SUMMER

Produce is encouraged, especially apples & oranges.
Sunscreen, ball caps, & water are encouraged