The Food Bank Shock!!

I am in shock, literally in shock....what an eye opener it was today. I went to the food bank today this is the one that is Food Bank of the Rockies. It comes once month and meets at the fairgrounds. They don't distribute until 9am, so if you want something you have to get there at about 7am to be the first 10 in line and today it was below zero, you parked you box and then sat in your vehicle until about 5min until 9am if you didn't arrive first you would get less items plus the line would be way across the parking lot....I met neighbors, friends and new people and after talking with them. Oh my goodness....I was informed that this was a hit miss, last time they were given yogurt though almost most of it was thrown out because it was bad.  At this point I am thinking alright can't complain at least you are able to get something though Oh my that changed......

After standing in below zero weather, I had to leave the truck running because I had my daughter with me...so running back and forth to move my wagon and check on my daughter it was starting to wear me out, But several people stepped in and moved their vehicles behind and beside mine blocking it so it couldn't be moved and they moved the line right in front of my truck...so I was able to leave it run, leave k in it and move my wagon until it was time and some wonderful friends/neighbors even took time to sit with her in the truck....Thank the Lord for people who cared.

Any how after we got signed in, I tell you what a shock it was to see what we were receiving.  Here is what they provided for a family and let me tell you Everyone received this, Now this is for my family of 2 adults and one child.
So here it is

1 6 pack box of granola & 1-loaf of bread
1-5lb of potatoes
1-can evaporated milk
1-can of icing
1-box cake
1-carton of chicken broth
4-small candy bars
3-small bags of holiday coffee
1-can of chicken
1-jug of bleach
1-box of club crackers (a little on stale side)
1-box of 24 granola bars
1-box of 6 bars fruit &amp

5-small bags of kashi chips
1-box of hamburger helper
1-small pkge of rice of roni
1 box of 24 granola bars
1 small can of chicken
2 small fruit juice

Seriously you got to be kidding me right...What in the world do you do with 24 pks of gum. I asked a few others and I heard the same thing at least we got something though my goodness what can you make for even a decent meal. I am sure you can get 2 or 3 meals from this but there isn't any fruit, not much protein not even beans and not even laundry soap.  I am thankful that I can dig for something else in my freezer or pantry to help make meals and I do have soap though my heart breaks for those who can't.  My family has truly been blessed though I know of several who struggle to even make it, single mothers, elderly and others who's food stamps have been cut literally in half or been totally rejected rely on these food banks to tie them over. Since Sept of last year when the flood happen I have seen a lot of people down on their luck and struggling to rebound. Yes, my family has been hit as well, like many others struggling to survive and get back on our feet.  I do think it has become harder to see past the criticism that people abuse the system, yes there are those who have but we are not here to judge, we are here to help.

My pray is if you are a couponer and can get those awesome deals, look at your neighbors many of them are struggling, maybe barter or trade with them. 
Even if you don't have $$ do find something to give to your local food bank...inquiry if they take homemade jams, breads, etc.  If you are able to do buy those unnecessary items that you find for free or cheap with your coupons like the boxed food, noodles, etc. Also, snag those awesome deals that are on diapers, pet food, etc. Everyone deserves a little help now and then!