This is Melonie’s Mom. First, it’s important to recognize that Melonie’s intention in creating this video was to raise awareness about the senior commodities program and to encourage others who might be in need. While her efforts have garnered positive feedback, it’s unfortunate that some negative comments have surfaced regarding the peanut butter and feeding the chicken to my dog. I don’t personally like peanut butter, so I pass it on to my daughter who appreciates it. Concerning feeding the chicken to my dog, I only feed him the chicken occasionally and in moderation. While I do receive assistance through the senior commodities program, I also manage my own grocery shopping to ensure a balanced diet with fresh fruits and vegetables. I appreciate Melonie’s efforts in cooking me homemade dinners incorporating foods from the senior commodities program along with my own store-bought foods. For those who seek to turn the narrative from supportive to criticism, if you can’t say something positive, please refrain from commenting at all. Let’s keep this conversation supportive and focused on helping seniors access food resources. Thank you Melonie’s Mom
@@margebentley663 my remark was not to be negative but a warning. I worked with seniors. They were always reporting on their fellow seniors. Usually to deflect from their own bad behavior. My suggestion would be leave that info out next time.
@@laceybanter5937 According to my local CSFP office, if there is a food that I do not like (peanut butter) I can share the food with someone else (my daughter) if I know I won’t eat it. The goal of the program is to ensure that the food is used and not wasted. I don’t need a “warning” from you or anyone else regarding the food box. I’m intelligent enough to know or to ask what the rules and regulations are regarding the food I receive. Not “bad behavior”, generous behavior on my part.
Ma’am, that box is to help supplement your living and your dog is part of your life. If he gets some chicken now and then, it’s chicken you didn’t have to buy! There’s no need to justify or defend how you use what is given, or what you choose to regift - it’s just good to know that there are services out there like this to provide a bit of extra support where it is needed most.
Without a doubt you can tell by these comments who has truly been in need & who hasn't. When you NEED food in your house, you don't particularly care who's label is on the outside of the can & you're thankful for it. PERIOD. Not a thing wrong with this box. I live with & take care of my 85 year old Dad. Wish I knew of a similar local program. Love & Blessings to everyone 🙏
There is a link in the description about this food program. It will take you to the governmental website. Once there you can see if they offer this in your area and be able to fill out an application to see if your dad qualifies. Thank you for such a wonderful comment. 👍😁❤
Visit food banks near you. What is given is a lot more of a variety. With fresh meats,fresh veggies,treats,milk,eggs,breads and other things. I go every two weeks to augment the food box. I also have a food card. These other things make living so much better than jst the food box alone.
The daughter doing this video seems very thankful that her mom has been given these items. Yes, they are processed foods, but it surely beats being hungry.
If her mom’s community is like mine, there might be a place where the mom can get fresh produce for reduced prices or free (we have a community garden) to help supplement even this! It’s good to see the variety offered in the box.
You always seem so happy to cook dinner for your mom. Thats why I love watching your videos. Keep up the great work. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
I’m 66 low income and didn’t know about commodities until I saw Melonie’s video. She is a blessing. Thank you for the information may you have many blessings in your life.
I am so glad that there are programs like this that help our seniors, and I’d love to see this expanded to cover everyone who needs it. We produce enough food in this great nation of ours that no one should be going hungry ever. I’m impressed that you sort your items and pass on the foods that you will not be using yourselves. But neither of you like canned apricots? In my house, they are a real treat!
@@JanetYoung-k5k Again,you're wrong.There's nothing in that box that a diabetic cannot eat. And before you persist in this foolishness,know that I'm a 50-year Type 1 diabetic.
It is such a nice program to have to help seniors, or anyone that is struggling to make meals for their family. Thank you so much for sharing this video. Please whatever you do, ignore the haters. At least they gave your channel of you. So that’s a good thing. God bless you and your family my new friend. I hope you have a great Thursday❤️🙏🇺🇸
I wish my Ma was here to show you all the ways she used her commodity foods. She impressed quite a few folks as to how she made everything delicious and fed so many. Every single box.
I used to buy extra things for my grandparents every time I did my grocery shopping. They loved asparagus spears and canned pink salmon. They were a bit too expensive for them but I could afford to buy them a d they enjoyed them. I miss them both but I still donate as much as I can to our local food bank.
Wow. Some of these commenters are really rude. This may not be the highest quality of food but at least you have items to add to your pantry. Thank you for posting this video. ❤
imho the presenter on this channel presents info on what NGO' s & independent food shelf subsidies pack into a box for seniors. This channel did not show the meat ( protein) nor fresh veg(s). There is the canned meat if you looked at real close its looks & smells disgusting. Food pantries distribute mainly all carbs which is very cheap either thru the govt & the NGO' s the NGO' s receive govt subsidies in the form of govt money to purchase these carbs. Yes, it is & can be helpful for seniors because of cost& all of this food is very very cheap; pennies on the dollar. I applaud the content creator and perhaps she could provide more video of any high protein source and vegs. This box is not the highest quality either. High carbs are k*llers for anyone- fills you up fast &short digestion time- blood sugar rises & then later one craves more carbs. Im not here to challenge the content creator and the comments ive seen are not rude at all. Meals On Wheels? Ive seen what is dropped off at diff care facilities or house drop. offs. I wouldnt feed that shite. to a dog
@brighidbrennan3168 My mom doesn't ever get any fresh items from the senior food box. We go to a church food distribution that is held quarterly. She does get fresh items from that one. Thank you for watching my video and being respectful in your comment. ❤️
@MelonieTri......I am a senior and I get these boxes every 2 months. I also donate the items I don't want back to a food bank to help others. I do the same w/ stuff I get from the food pantry. Last week I took a bunch of canned goods and cereals to our local food cupboard which anyone can access 24 hrs a day. W/ in a couple ofhours it had all been taken so it helped someone....hopefully more than 1 person. In July we get a shopping bag full of fresh fruits and veggies. I also have a friend I pass food onto and what she can't use she will pass on to others. Apparently some people on here who are complaining about the food being crap have never been hungry. When you have little to no food you are grateful for whatever you can get...
I also receive senior commodity box. We never have anything fresh but I appreciate what we get as it fills a need. The food pantries in our area do not offer bread or anything fresh either. Just shelf stable food. Again I appreciate it as we would likely only have one meal a day without it
You cannot know if people who comment here have never been hungry. I've said a couple of mildly critical comments on this subject and I'll tell you now that at one time for a couple of years I lived on a Kit Kat bar,a small Cornish Pasty and either a coke,if I was lucky,or a cup of tea. This for the whole day.And sometimes without the Pasty. So you can never know by what someone s if they've never been hungry. Dont judge them.
@xScooterAZx Don't judge them but it's ok for them to judge me and others that receive this box? Wow. Double standard. But hey thanks for watching my video. Have a good rest of your night. 👍
@@MelonieTriesRecipes I simply said you cant know who here has or has not been hungry. To judge you would be for me to shame you for something,which I did not do. Are you that sensitive that you purposely mistake my comment?
I'm a senior and have utilized food pantries. There is little in this box that I would use. Due to health issues I have dietary restrictions and also I don't use many canned veggies. I used to be able to go to a pantry that was more like a store where you could pick out a certain number of things from each shelf. The pantry i now have to use is not like that. I do stand there as they pack my bags and tell them what I won't use. They don't like it but they will give me things I'll use. Probably because I like all the canned beans and tomatoes and they have an abundance of those. In my eyes it's a shame that those of us that need help are given the lowest nutritional foods with high amounts of sodium to just fill is up. Many of us have health issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease, high cholesterol, obesity, and heart disease that make many of these foods prohibited.
It's like that in my area, you can choose what you want. Way less waste. But I've noticed many things way out of date. It's best to check it before you eat it. Sad they give out expired food.
This looks great - my neighbor gets these and gives me the brown rice and sometimes the cheese. I use the whole block to make cheese sauce for mac and cheese that is freezeable. I also always share what I make, both to show gratitude and to have him taste it.
I can’t believe the negativity here. This is good quality food, especially the canned fruit, canned tomatoes and peanut butter. Maybe people are a bit picky and don’t like canned food, but canned goods are a staple in my pantry…,,you can make some great meals with them and a little creativity. I would be very grateful for a box like that…you are blessed.
Yeah but come on. How many canned tomatoes are you going to be able to eat month after month? This is severely lacking in any kind of variety and our seniors deserve better
@user-fg8en8mr3k Like I said in the video, she doesn't normally get 8 cans of diced tomatoes in her box. Also, there are multiple options to use tomatoes. Tomatoes are very healthy and my mom loves them. Thanks for watching my video. 👍
I am glad this food is available to those who need it. Totally understand sharing some with your furbaby (pets are our children!) I worked in a food pantry for 20 years before retiring. It is incredible how many people just need a little help.
I love how there so many "basics" in this box. Will definitely help your mom plan her grocery shopping with items to compliment these, and help her keep her grocery costs down. With the way prices are going these days we can all benefit from that!
Yes, it really does help her. Well, it helps me because I do the grocery shopping and cooking. Sharing our resources truly makes it easier. I'm glad I live so close. Thank you for all the support you have given. It is greatly appreciated. 👍😊❤
You can make no bake cookie bars with the corn flakes! Just like rice crispy treats. Heat up a bag of marshmallows with 1 TBSP of margarine of butter. Add dry corn flakes and mix. I also add 1 tsp of vanilla extract! You can add peanut butter, chocolate chips, etc at this time if you want. Put in a buttered 13x9 pan and let cool completely before cutting. They are really yummy!
Thank you for sharing information about these type boxes for those lower income seniors. These boxes look like balance nutritional thoughts put in process on what goes in boxes.
When my dad was alive, he used to get commodities from the Comanche tribe. All the food was excess military food. All the labels were generic looking (black and white labels). For some reason they would give the Indian tribes in Oklahoma a ton of government cheese. It made the best Mac and cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches. The first of the month all the tribal members would try to get there early to get the best choice. The old Indian joke was: why can’t you get a group photo of Indians…..because when you say cheese, they form a line.😂
That's actually a really nice box if you ask me. Right off the bat, I was thinking chicken spaghetti with the chicken and spaghetti. Corn flake chewies with the cornflakes and peanut butter. I use canned tomatoes to make homemade salsa in the blender. Fruit salad with can fruit or ambrosia.
When I was a young wife (a long while back) my husband's grandmother used to get that cheese ... It was very nice. Reading through the comments it's obvious a lot of people have never been hungry. I certainly have. Some of what's in there is not my favorite, but all of it could be used in recipes.
I didn't intend for this video to blow up with the views. I anticipated about 30 to 50 views, which is my normal, not 10k views. Thank you to every single person who has watched my video and subscribed to my channel. I am just an average person that cooks dinner for my mom on a regular basis. I enjoy cooking and have noticed my cooking skills increasing since i began my TH-cam journey approximately 6 months ago. Im not trying to be a TH-cam sensation. Im just having fun showing regular people how i cook regular food, sometimes with a twist. Thank you everyone. 👍😁❤
Here in upstate NYC. Sadly the illegals are coming into our community action pantry n catholic charities pantry they fill bags up leaves nothing for poor seniors....I'm glad your mom got little haul. Truly sad our country is dragged all these migrants in. Giving free food. Prepaid debit card for all kinds stuff free medical n food clothes n housing what disgrace
That is sad. The benefits they are receiving are from the state, not the federal government. When the election cycle starts for your state and city officials you need to let your voice be heard. Good luck to you. 👍🙂❤️
Folks don't seem to realize the word "nutritious" is a relative term. According to the government, hospitals, etc. If it has calories it nourishes you. Hence it being called nutritious. In the US ( I can't speak for other countries) folks are spoiled. Many don't know what hunger is. And they should be thankful they don't. In our economy prices have doubled and tripled. Many folks cannot afford basics. Thank God there are food pantries, food stamps, etc. out there for those who need it. Instead of criticizing why not get proactive and see what you can do to help. If not mind your business and shut your mouth. It's very simple. Sheesh.
Noy only tht but everything in cans like soup, and the prepackaged meats had a lot ogf salt and preservitives in them including the canned chicken not only did it taste bad but it smelled off when you opened the can. for a while my sister and myself gsighed up for the boxes and finally dropped because we would be getting the same item in boxes.and the cheese is not cheese it is a cheese product if you read the box and also take a look and the sodium content it is the same as a carton of Velveta cheese product.
Might sound weird, but the chili beans instead of spaghetti sauce over the pasta is really good. Chopped up canned apricots in the cornflake muffins creates a moist, tender crumb and is a good source of sweetner. The diced tomatoes blitzed, with a bit of chicken bullion and milk makes a great tomato soup. Lots of good things in that box. Don’t forget, one spoon of peanut butter a day is a good source of protein. A little extra protein never hurts.
Thank God your mom has the senior food boxes! So many elderly go hungry due to having to decide between eating or their medication. It’s disgusting how the U.S. government treats,no let me correct that, not treats but discards the elderly.
I feel the same way. It is sad. My siblings and I decided to never put mom in a nursing home. We will take care of her until the end. She's not sick or anything right now, but we made that decision.
The white chicken can be used for white chili, openfaced chicken in gravy sandwiches, chicken salad, breaded and fried like nuggets. They used to give flour, oil, yeast, dried potato flakes, and powdered milk. Make the milk up to use in recipes that call for milk or hot cocoa. Commodity cheese was the best.
When I was a child,( I'm 75 now) I remember going to the local fire station where government food was distributed. The items available were blocks of Velveeta cheese,dry beans,rice,one pound bricks of butter sometimes canned whole chicken. No boxed foods or fruits or vegetables.
@@rickdaystar477 ....I can remember my mother getting dry milk and sometimes dry eggs. Might have got instant potatoes too but not sure. I was still kind of young.
Used to volunteer for sharing programs Was eye opening..the food stuff wasn't really healthy for elders. Only one church program offered fresh vegetables and better quality. I understand that it's the economics that drive what is possible to share but this country needs to do way better than it does for seniors and children
My husband gets the commodity box as well each month. (He's 11 years older than me.) Where we live we get basically the same thing. It's amazing how much it helps supplement. We use almost everything but do the same thing and donate the apricots. He likes apricots but he's not a fan of the unpeeled canned variety but he knows someone else will appreciate it. We are very thankful each month for it. I'll have to look up a recipe for muffins using the cereal. I like the idea of that.
@@helenramsdell1959 wouldn't it be nice if things like flour, corn starch, corn meal , vinegar, healthy oil and even a couple of pounds of sugar were included? They would be very useful in many low cost recipes.
I can remember them handing out commodities in the last 60's my grandmother would pick them for a friend that live crossed the hills that did not have a car. It has been around a long time. I am glad people still get it does help some with the cost of food now.
@lavonthompson88 there is a link in the description of the government website. Check to see if it's available in your area and fill out the application. Good luck and God bless you. 👍🙂❤️
Im not a senior citizen. In our county, we give a box of food for low-income residents. We often get the same thing your mom gets. It's not a lot, but it helps.
Great idea. Thank you. It only happens once in a while. The dogs food will run out on a Saturday night and the store she goes to is closed on Sundays. Thank you for your concern. 👍😁❤
Wow that is not very much ! In Canada we have a gurentee income to give seniors extra money ,and the food bank delivers to if un able ,and it a lot of food and frozen meat and a gallon of milk ,and many deserts .and now free dental care ,I wish the U S would treat there seniors better ,Many other countrys do !
I agree. We should be able to give better healthier box of help. Although there is a SNAP program seniors can apply for which gives money for food at store that they can use as they want
@katbow5922 Although, not all seniors qualify for the SNAP program. My mom doesn't qualify for it. 😭 Which is why me and my other siblings help her as much as we are able.
@@MelonieTriesRecipes Do you have local food banks ? We have a program in our town where fresh produce and some shelf stable items are handed out to anyone who shows up at the Human Services on thursdays from 4-6 pm. Just drive thru and you almost always get potatoes, a couple apples and oranges. Pasta, rice and beans and whatever crops are in season..like squash
@@SueB-r4g other countries put their own citizens FIRST, here the non citizens, undocumented are the only ones getting the rewards due to people who have contributed over a lifetime of taxes
I think it's very interesting since I donate to various foodbanks, pantries and other food services...I like to see where the products go and how balanced (or not balanced) the meals are which go out. Thanks!
My nephew worked for the government in some dairy program. He said the government cheese is very high quality because of government farm subsidies for dairy farmers. I've had the cheese and it was excellent...
Yeah! I love apricots. Especially in jam or jam cookies. Yum. Wonder if that cheese is the same government cheese I used to get like 44 yrs ago from W.I.C.? That stuff was the BOMB! I used to be able to buy it later with my own money but haven't seen it in many many years. It was in a blue box at store. It was NOT like Velveeta or any of those. Very firm and so flavorful. My daughter loved it when she was old enough. I am disabled and a senior myself but I have been blessed to have my disability insurance tho it's of course not like when I was able to earn. So I haven't as of yet looked into any food banks etc. My daughters company closed it's doors and she only got one round of piddly unemployment because it was all pretty much wiped out by our current seniors in charge of the Whitehouse. She's unable to find work she can do so far. She's not well but not much help there. So I help as much as I can. I sure would love some of that REAL GOVERNMENT CHEESE tho lol. Idk where they got it but I'm telling you it was the best I've ever had. I know alot of peeps who say the same. Thanks for the vid. Hey did you know you can make FUDGE with PINTO BEANS? Yes ma'am! Delicious. Thank you for the vid🙏🏼✌🏼🫶🏼
I don’t know why I find this video Interesting. I guess because it’s knowledgeable to know what low income seniors get. I’d love to cook for my son who is 30 years old and his new wife. I don’t work, but they work really hard. The wife doesn’t get off work Until 6 o’clock at night, so she doesn’t get home until about 6:30. I cook for them Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. They don’t live with me, but they live a mile down the road. I’ve always cooked for my family and even though he moved out, I still cooked for him and now his wife too. Lately I’ve been hooked on those meal kits that get delivered to your house. It’s become my hobby, picking out the meals, cooking them, sharing them with my family. I think I’m obsessed with food. At least that’s what my husband says. It’s just him and I that live in the house but I have two regular size refrigerators and they have freezers also, then I have a standalone standup freezer, and two refrigerators/freezers. A lot of them are packed with food. What causes this food obsession I have no idea. 🤷♀️ The next two weeks I’m not ordering any meal kits and I’m gonna start cleaning out my freezers and fridges So I’m gonna be making home-cooked meals. I might get some ideas of what to make just by looking at your mom’s box of food.
I support this program as no one should be hungry anywhere especially in America… when politicians campaign on cutting food assistance to seniors, children and the disabled it is time to vote them out of office. And, if she wants to give her dog some chicken so what… we people of means do. I just wish they would include come fresh chicken, meat and ground beef… I know that can complicate the process but a pound of each goes a long way and adds a protein variety.
The Del Monte tomatoes are great warmed up, then add two eggs cover and cook until eggs are done. Mom used to make that for us on the weekends as a quick lunch when we where younger.
@@MelonieTriesRecipesGoogle “shakshouka” it’s eggs poached in a sauce of tomatoes, peppers, onions and garlic . It is SO delicious! Maybe your mom would like this sometimes. You could make this as a supper too, make some pasta and serve it over the pasta. Maybe wirh some bread of some kind to sop up the juices. And you can add or subtract ingredients according to taste. But the tomatoes, peppers onion and garlic are the basic sauce.
I remember standing in line for hours to get one in Tennessee. The cheese was so good, ours looked different, flour, peanut butter, butter, evaporated cream, corn meal, some can vegetables, powered milk. Memories, kids got peanut butter fudge for a treat.😊
Get a pack of ramen noodles, add some of that chicken , handful of canned or frozen veggies, favorite spices/ herbs and you have a tasty chicken noodle soup! We do this for a quick and tasty meal! Bon appetite!
Every little bit helps - people who don't know that have never had to pinch a penny. Corn muffins from corn flakes - now that is an interesting idea. I make bran muffins from raisin bran cereal - just add more raisins - yummy.
I remember those large boxes of cheese when I was receiving boxes for the women /childern program (after WIC ends) anyways the kids loved it as well as me...
Grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup (blender those extra tomatoes)! Apricots can make good cookies if you get a sugar cookie mix...even apricot pancakes or muffins. (dollar store mixes will work)
@@MelonieTriesRecipesgood! I've only watched a minute or so, I'll finish in a minute. I glanced at the comments. Man, there are some judgemental, critical, negative people in the world. So sorry they found you. 😊 I'm subscribing just to help balance the negativity. Don't let them get to you.❤
My mom has been keeping up with the video and reading all the comments. She is just as amazed as I am with the overwhelming out pouring of support. We both appreciate all the views, recipes, and new subscribers. We both hope everyone has enjoyed the video and has a blessed day. PS- There is a link in the description to the government website. Thank you. 👍😁❤
Hight starch, low nutrition, cheap food. Orange gummies, Eggs, bread,jelly or honey, milk,butter and coffee/tea are needed. Frozen veg.s. fresh fruit. Why so much p.b. and as u heard, pets need food too. Donate dog, cat and bird kibbles.❤
thank you for sharing this information with us. It looks like some very good offerings, especially the cheese and canned goods. I'm a little concerned about the amount of tomato products - tomatoes are not recommended for folks with arthritis and gout, but the products you received - if you don't have those health concerns, lend themselves to variety - the making of soups, pasta, or simply stewed tomatoes. I'm a little sad that no green veggies were included, but I do realize many of this type of service depends on what the agencies have left...and I'm sure the other goes more quickly. That chicken looks wonderful and would make good casseroles as well with the noodles. 🙂
You can use the canned diced tomatoes to make salsa, add chopped onion, some dried oregano, salt, garlic salt and fresh minced garlic, and if you don’t want to buy a packet chili pequin use the one they put with pizza when you order pizza. Or use canned jalapeño diced as much or little as you want. You can also use some of that canned diced tomato in your pasta sauce. The cheese you can use too to make enchiladas, or on tacos and burritos. Or instead of grilled cheese make it with a tortilla for a quesadilla.
I get Commodities too. However they canceled it in July because they told me, the food did NOT SHOW UP! They said to wait until August. They usually miss about 4 months out of the year, due to no driver to bring the food to the drop-off place, or someone went on vacation. This is a govt program. I find it hard to believe a truck "didn't show up"
Ugh. That is too bad. In the last few years the pickup location for my mom's box has changed 3 times and this month we have to go to a new location again. Also, there are times when the volunteers are rude.
Several of the items look like food pantry staples, so they may be all the same commodity. Looks like several pop tops. Easier for arthritic hands. Nice to have some pantry staples for in between trips to the market for fresh produce, or in case she CAN'T get out for health reasons. Prepped meals and meats for low energy days is handy. It's no doubt meant as a supplement for when times are difficult. Not every senior can still cut up large fruit or has time to eat massive salads before they go bad. They're manageable shelf stable items. Maybe those panicking over gmo can make an effort to donate in their local community to help seniors in their area. Meanwhile I am sure thousands benefit from any food. Regardless of dietary buzzwords.
but it is not very neutritous with to much starch and sali and none of it like the canned beef was only hamburger with not flavor no matter how much seasoning in it and the same went for the canned pork way too much fat and grease.
You can make a great recipe with the canned tomatoes. Simmer on low, add some spices if you like (parsley, garlic). Add cooked spaghetti, some chicken from your package and 1-2 inch cheese slice. Let everything cook on low until heated and cheese has melted. Tomato nutrition actually increases with heating. I make this recipe all the time. Great as leftovers too. :)
Am a senior and also got a box of commodities this month - very good stuff with which to make many decent meals. However, I have a problem with food allergies and cannot eat gluten products such as pasta, nor eggs, nor peanut butter. I must also significantly reduce my dairy intake. Therefore, like you, I had to give away some of the goodies that I was given. I use oatmeal to make muffins and use beans to make bean pie (which is surprisingly good). Virtually all of my soups/stews contain rice and/or beans. There is one thing I'd like to see in these boxes = Spam! Spam is so good either for breakfast or lunch time sandwich and can be put into stews as well. There are other processed meat products that can be good additions to the box ingredients. And hopefully, some day we will have alternatives for those things we cannot eat due to allergies. Overall, it is a great service for seniors such as myself.
@@boobookittysheri9793 Well, I'm glad for you that they were not. But for me and others like me it was. Years ago I was not aware of them and always got sick. Back in 1980 I missed 10 weeks of work due to stomach problems. My doctors could not figure out what the cause was. Years later we learned why, stopped eating allergy causing food, and now at the advanced age of 72 my stomach feels better than it did since I was 8 years old. So go ahead and count your blessings. But please don't belittle those of us who have this problem.
Yes, the gluten allergy is horrible for those who suffer with it. My friend has it. I am very sensitive to milk products. Ugh, the stomach cramps are pretty bad. But, I still eat cheese and ice cream, just dealing with it.
Good job showing this! In my experience, some items are staples that are usually in every box, but over the months the varieties can change. So one month the cereal may be corn flakes, the next month might be oatmeal or rice cereal. The beans may be pinto, red, white, or black, etc. The nuts may be walnuts or pistachios, etc. . Very few people like *everything* in the box. I can't stand canned green beans! 😂 However, by having these in my pantry, I can free up funds to cater to my preferences.❤
The box given out in my area is called a share box. They can give the seniors better selections, fresh fruit, and vegetables. More protein. I know it's free, but they tell them to eat better, less processed food, but give them that kind of food
In Ohio, the government box contains two boxes of cereals two milk 7 cans of vegetarian vegetables, a box of cheese, two spaghetti three cans of fruits, once in a while peanut butter, three cans of meat, and instant potatoes plus juice Nothing like Michigan.
@@janispatton1674 ....sounds similar to what we get in NH but we also get rice and dried beans. We get 2 boxes every other month and once during the summer we get a grocery bag filled w/ assorted fresh veggies and fruits.
The shelf stable milk is just as tasty as regular. It can be used with cornflakes for breakfast. The tomato products can make spaghetti sauce. Add the chicken for protein. You can also do casseroles with the chicken. Just some ideas. God bless!
This^ Shelf stable milk is great for cooking,as is reconstituted powdered milk.If you find either to have an off taste(an individual preference) when drinking, try drinking them very cold. Or use them in recipes and by a small amount for drinking.
@@MelonieTriesRecipes also I mix the boxed milk with 2% milk I buy at grocery store. I like the taste better and it stretches it.. I live in a HUD senior living complex. If there is something one person doesn't want we give to neighbors that do want it.
My neighbor, when I was nine, had 7 children and collected something each month called USDA Commodities. I had assumed that when I see women in the store using WIC vouchers , those must be the modern version, but seeing your video makes me wonder 🤔 In those days, you got the block of government cheese but you got powdered eggs and milk. One month, you got a can of pork, and the next, you got a can of meatball stew. Instead of cold cereal that kids would eat, they got something called Farina 😂.
Peanut Butter cookies,,, my step son use to make Peanut butter pie,,,,so good,, but, be careful if you suffer from Debites.., also,, the chicken can be used for Chicken Tacos,, works Great,,
Thank you for showing this. I see some brands I used to get from our local food pantry. I am very thankful they were there for me during covid until the end of '23. We are doing so much better now. My son bought us a house, and we are fixing it up beautifully. But I will never forget those who helped us...kept us from starving while he attended college full time on the new G.I. BILL. But as a type 2 diabetic myself I agree with one of the responses here that maybe sourcing lower carb options would be nice. Anyway....nice video
Yes, ma'am, I'm grateful. I only survived the first part of the pandemic due to community handouts. That said, much of it was expired pastry. I ate whatever I could get and got very, very sick. Hand in hand with that; insulin wasn't available. That said, someone did something. Someone collected food and handed it out to anyone in need. There was thriving trade, and I never passed the chance to trade old pastries for old vegetables, canned beans, etc. I now have a new heart murmur and kidney damage. Not the fault of the people trying to help, it was the circumstances. It sucked for most people. Just glad we made it through so we can bitch about it afterward. RIGHT? ❤❤ THAT was the point.
It is wonderful that this service is offered. With just a few tweaks it could be made more nutritious with a a bit more variety. As long as you have the ability to supplement this, it makes a good starting point for some decent meals.
I took my grandmother back in the early to mid 80's when the government released their surplus of 5 lb. Wax wrapped in cardboard box American cheese. That was the best American cheese I have ever eaten to this day!! It was aged. She had me take her to all the surrounding county's!!😁
I don't know how often your mom receives the box, but that's a lot of tomato products if the boxes come in a short time. Useful items and good ideas of how to use them from you. I'm glad that you have a place nearby to donate items that you and your mom won't use. Pass it on, pay it forward! I don't know of your area has a pet food bank, but if they do, you may be able to use it when you're low on dog food and save the chicken for your mom. If not, bless you for making sure the pooch gets fed!
@MelonieTriesRecipes That's what I was going to suggest. You can cut them up to make a cobbler and season it with cinnamon and a little nutmeg like you would do a peach.
I was not being unkind or judgemental I was getting these boxes and there was a lot of timed people did not lke or for diet reasons they could not eat.
I am mature, I can remember my Mamaws box. It contained things to cook with. Flour, cornmeal, real butter. Peanut butter in a can, she was so happy with this. I think there was also a cheese product. So different than what we get now. . I'm diabetic, so there's so many things in my box I can't eat.
@@beckylipps7286 As rampant as diabetes is in the U.S., you'd think they would have diabetic boxes. My Dad is supposed to be low sodium - likes to tell people his doctor put him on LSD (low sodium diet) & then yucks it up - & lots of older folks are. They could do that too but that's expecting WAY too much. A diabetic box should be a given, I'd think. (My 2¢)
@beth7215 just so you know, every canned food item in my mom's food box is low sodium. I know I didn't specify it in the video. Yes, that would be a good idea to offer a diabetic box.
I grew up w/ commodity foods. I can remember going w/ my mother to pick up the boxes. It helped stretch our food for sure since my mother was practically the sole provider for everything as my birth father drank away his paychecks. I am grateful for whatever I get now from the boxes. I pass on what I don't want or eat as it is helping someone else.
@beckylipps7286....I remember the food boxes growing up. We used to get real butter, the peanut butter in a can w/ a layer of oil that had to be mixed in. We got powdered milk, powdered eggs, cheese. Pretty sure there was rice, dry beans and maybe flour and/or cornmeal....I'm not too sure on these items.
I think it's perfectly fine to do what you want with your box. But as soon as you said that about peanut butter and chicken I knew some would be judgemental. Ignore them. It's "Your" box!!
Unfortunately, a diet of healthy fats, fresh fruits and veggies and whole foods is unaffordable for many people. It's what's in the box or go hungry. If they have the means, or get snap benefits they can supplement with better quality things, and they usually do. Many food pantries won't even take donations of fresh foods because they lack the refrigeration necessary to safely keep it. I've argued that fresh food wouldn't last long enough to have to refrigerate it but that's their rule. At this point I have to limit my donations to canned meats, nuts, and olive oil. We need to be doing a lot better for people who rely on food boxes like this.
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This is Melonie’s Mom. First, it’s important to recognize that Melonie’s intention in creating this video was to raise awareness about the senior commodities program and to encourage others who might be in need. While her efforts have garnered positive feedback, it’s unfortunate that some negative comments have surfaced regarding the peanut butter and feeding the chicken to my dog.
I don’t personally like peanut butter, so I pass it on to my daughter who appreciates it. Concerning feeding the chicken to my dog, I only feed him the chicken occasionally and in moderation.
While I do receive assistance through the senior commodities program, I also manage my own grocery shopping to ensure a balanced diet with fresh fruits and vegetables. I appreciate Melonie’s efforts in cooking me homemade dinners incorporating foods from the senior commodities program along with my own store-bought foods.
For those who seek to turn the narrative from supportive to criticism, if you can’t say something positive, please refrain from commenting at all.
Let’s keep this conversation supportive and focused on helping seniors access food resources.
Thank you
Melonie’s Mom
@@margebentley663 my remark was not to be negative but a warning. I worked with seniors. They were always reporting on their fellow seniors. Usually to deflect from their own bad behavior. My suggestion would be leave that info out next time.
@@laceybanter5937 According to my local CSFP office, if there is a food that I do not like (peanut butter) I can share the food with someone else (my daughter) if I know I won’t eat it. The goal of the program is to ensure that the food is used and not wasted. I don’t need a “warning” from you or anyone else regarding the food box. I’m intelligent enough to know or to ask what the rules and regulations are regarding the food I receive. Not “bad behavior”, generous behavior on my part.
Haters gonna hate. You do you 👍🏽
I was not negitativly commonting no the video what I was referring to was what was in the box is not very nturitious.
@@margebentley663 I really liked it and hope more states do this! I know I'd love it!!
Ma’am, that box is to help supplement your living and your dog is part of your life. If he gets some chicken now and then, it’s chicken you didn’t have to buy! There’s no need to justify or defend how you use what is given, or what you choose to regift - it’s just good to know that there are services out there like this to provide a bit of extra support where it is needed most.
Thank you very much. 👍😁❤️
100% This!
Without a doubt you can tell by these comments who has truly been in need & who hasn't. When you NEED food in your house, you don't particularly care who's label is on the outside of the can & you're thankful for it. PERIOD. Not a thing wrong with this box. I live with & take care of my 85 year old Dad. Wish I knew of a similar local program.
Love & Blessings to everyone 🙏
There is a link in the description about this food program. It will take you to the governmental website. Once there you can see if they offer this in your area and be able to fill out an application to see if your dad qualifies. Thank you for such a wonderful comment. 👍😁❤
@@MelonieTriesRecipes thank you for the information!!
Fr, you're not gonna eat the label or box🤣
@rhondahulett9763 👍😁❤
Visit food banks near you. What is given is a lot more of a variety. With fresh meats,fresh veggies,treats,milk,eggs,breads and other things. I go every two weeks to augment the food box. I also have a food card. These other things make living so much better than jst the food box alone.
I am happy to see that these programs exist for anyone in need.
The daughter doing this video seems very thankful that her mom has been given these items. Yes, they are processed foods, but it surely beats being hungry.
Yes. Thank you. 👍😁❤️
It makes me feel really bad to have to remove a bunch of comments. I'm truly sorry. The comments went way off topic.
Eating this regularly will make mom sick why can’t they give heathy things it’s like giving a dangerous free gift to seniors.
Eating this regularly will make mom sick why can’t they give heathy things it’s like giving a dangerous free gift to seniors.
If her mom’s community is like mine, there might be a place where the mom can get fresh produce for reduced prices or free (we have a community garden) to help supplement even this! It’s good to see the variety offered in the box.
You always seem so happy to cook dinner for your mom. Thats why I love watching your videos. Keep up the great work. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Anything is better than doing without. Be grateful that there are programs like this for seniors.
Food banks and pantries exist for anyone in need. Not just seniors
@@emilyfeagin2673 Yes that is true but this is a senior commodity box. It is a federal program for only seniors. 👍😊❤
When I lived in a women's shelter we would get boxes like this! These and food stamps helped me and the other women that lived here!
This is an amazing blessing for seniors
I’m 66 low income and didn’t know about commodities until I saw Melonie’s video. She is a blessing. Thank you for the information may you have many blessings in your life.
Best food - free. What a blessing!
I am so glad that there are programs like this that help our seniors, and I’d love to see this expanded to cover everyone who needs it. We produce enough food in this great nation of ours that no one should be going hungry ever.
I’m impressed that you sort your items and pass on the foods that you will not be using yourselves. But neither of you like canned apricots? In my house, they are a real treat!
I love them, hard to ever get fresh ones though.
Nothing wrong with the food in that box. It is much better than being hungry.
I think it was a very nice assortment of foods. Yes, some fruit like apples or oranges added to the box would be nice, too. ❤🙋
But due to a medical condition like being a diabetic or have congestive heart fuilure you are unable to eat much of what is in the boxes.
@@JanetYoung-k5k Again,you're wrong.There's nothing in that box that a diabetic cannot eat. And before you persist in this foolishness,know that I'm a 50-year Type 1 diabetic.
It is such a nice program to have to help seniors, or anyone that is struggling to make meals for their family. Thank you so much for sharing this video. Please whatever you do, ignore the haters. At least they gave your channel of you. So that’s a good thing. God bless you and your family my new friend. I hope you have a great Thursday❤️🙏🇺🇸
It is great that the seniors get this commodity box.
I wish my Ma was here to show you all the ways she used her commodity foods. She impressed quite a few folks as to how she made everything delicious and fed so many. Every single box.
I used to buy extra things for my grandparents every time I did my grocery shopping. They loved asparagus spears and canned pink salmon. They were a bit too expensive for them but I could afford to buy them a d they enjoyed them. I miss them both but I still donate as much as I can to our local food bank.
Beautiful story. You are a wonderful grandchild. Thank you very much. 👍🙂❤️
I hope you cherish your memories of them forever.
Thank you
Gosh some of the people on here are being so rude 😳I know you’re doing the best you can and appreciate this information.
Thank you. 👍😊❤
Wow. Some of these commenters are really rude. This may not be the highest quality of food but at least you have items to add to your pantry. Thank you for posting this video. ❤
imho the presenter on this channel presents info on what NGO' s & independent food shelf subsidies pack into a box for seniors.
This channel did not show the meat ( protein) nor fresh veg(s). There is the canned meat if you looked at real close its looks & smells disgusting. Food pantries distribute mainly all carbs which is very cheap either thru the govt & the NGO' s the NGO' s receive govt subsidies in the form of govt money to purchase these carbs. Yes, it is & can be helpful for seniors because of cost& all of this food is very very cheap; pennies on the dollar.
I applaud the content creator and perhaps she could provide more video of any high protein source and vegs. This box is not the highest quality either.
High carbs are k*llers for anyone- fills you up fast &short digestion time- blood sugar rises & then later one craves more carbs.
Im not here to challenge the content creator and the comments ive seen are not rude at all.
Meals On Wheels?
Ive seen what is dropped off at diff care facilities or house drop. offs.
I wouldnt feed that shite. to a dog
@brighidbrennan3168 My mom doesn't ever get any fresh items from the senior food box. We go to a church food distribution that is held quarterly. She does get fresh items from that one. Thank you for watching my video and being respectful in your comment. ❤️
@MelonieTri......I am a senior and I get these boxes every 2 months. I also donate the items I don't want back to a food bank to help others. I do the same w/ stuff I get from the food pantry. Last week I took a bunch of canned goods and cereals to our local food cupboard which anyone can access 24 hrs a day. W/ in a couple ofhours it had all been taken so it helped someone....hopefully more than 1 person. In July we get a shopping bag full of fresh fruits and veggies. I also have a friend I pass food onto and what she can't use she will pass on to others. Apparently some people on here who are complaining about the food being crap have never been hungry. When you have little to no food you are grateful for whatever you can get...
I also receive senior commodity box. We never have anything fresh but I appreciate what we get as it fills a need. The food pantries in our area do not offer bread or anything fresh either. Just shelf stable food. Again I appreciate it as we would likely only have one meal a day without it
Some folks on here have never been hungry. The quality of this food is better than the crappy Walmart brand stuff.
Yep
No food is "Better than" if it kills you from eating it.
You cannot know if people who comment here have never been hungry. I've said a couple of mildly critical comments on this subject and I'll tell you now that at one time for a couple of years I lived on a Kit Kat bar,a small Cornish Pasty and either a coke,if I was lucky,or a cup of tea. This for the whole day.And sometimes without the Pasty. So you can never know by what someone s if they've never been hungry.
Dont judge them.
@xScooterAZx Don't judge them but it's ok for them to judge me and others that receive this box? Wow. Double standard. But hey thanks for watching my video. Have a good rest of your night. 👍
@@MelonieTriesRecipes I simply said you cant know who here has or has not been hungry. To judge you would be for me to shame you for something,which I did not do. Are you that sensitive that you purposely mistake my comment?
I'm a senior and have utilized food pantries. There is little in this box that I would use. Due to health issues I have dietary restrictions and also I don't use many canned veggies. I used to be able to go to a pantry that was more like a store where you could pick out a certain number of things from each shelf. The pantry i now have to use is not like that. I do stand there as they pack my bags and tell them what I won't use. They don't like it but they will give me things I'll use. Probably because I like all the canned beans and tomatoes and they have an abundance of those.
In my eyes it's a shame that those of us that need help are given the lowest nutritional foods with high amounts of sodium to just fill is up. Many of us have health issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease, high cholesterol, obesity, and heart disease that make many of these foods prohibited.
It's like that in my area, you can choose what you want. Way less waste. But I've noticed many things way out of date. It's best to check it before you eat it. Sad they give out expired food.
I don’t get these, but I have 4 kids 10 and under and we get boxes like these from the school. It is very helpful for us and others.
This looks great - my neighbor gets these and gives me the brown rice and sometimes the cheese. I use the whole block to make cheese sauce for mac and cheese that is freezeable. I also always share what I make, both to show gratitude and to have him taste it.
I can’t believe the negativity here. This is good quality food, especially the canned fruit, canned tomatoes and peanut butter. Maybe people are a bit picky and don’t like canned food, but canned goods are a staple in my pantry…,,you can make some great meals with them and a little creativity. I would be very grateful for a box like that…you are blessed.
Thank you very much. 👍😊❤️
VERY INTERESTING .... 71 HERE BUT DOING FINE ON MY OWN & still work part time .... they really give you a ton of stuff
Food staples boxes are a blessing for many in need. Usually not their only source of food.
Very true. Thank you. 👍😊❤️
Yeah but come on. How many canned tomatoes are you going to be able to eat month after month? This is severely lacking in any kind of variety and our seniors deserve better
@user-fg8en8mr3k Like I said in the video, she doesn't normally get 8 cans of diced tomatoes in her box. Also, there are multiple options to use tomatoes. Tomatoes are very healthy and my mom loves them. Thanks for watching my video. 👍
@@OuttaasiteNdynomite Please stop. One can do many things with tomatoes. I would rather have extra tomatoes than an empty space in my cupboard.
@@charlieann456 you stop. Idk who you think you are telling me to stop . You don't own me
I am glad this food is available to those who need it. Totally understand sharing some with your furbaby (pets are our children!) I worked in a food pantry for 20 years before retiring. It is incredible how many people just need a little help.
My grandma in rural northwestern PA used to get these boxes. I had forgotten about them. Thanks for walking us through the box and how you use it.
I love how there so many "basics" in this box. Will definitely help your mom plan her grocery shopping with items to compliment these, and help her keep her grocery costs down. With the way prices are going these days we can all benefit from that!
Yes, it really does help her. Well, it helps me because I do the grocery shopping and cooking. Sharing our resources truly makes it easier. I'm glad I live so close. Thank you for all the support you have given. It is greatly appreciated. 👍😊❤
You can make no bake cookie bars with the corn flakes! Just like rice crispy treats. Heat up a bag of marshmallows with 1 TBSP of margarine of butter. Add dry corn flakes and mix. I also add 1 tsp of vanilla extract! You can add peanut butter, chocolate chips, etc at this time if you want. Put in a buttered 13x9 pan and let cool completely before cutting. They are really yummy!
Thanku!
Thank you! They sound good
Thank you for sharing information about these type boxes for those lower income seniors. These boxes look like balance nutritional thoughts put in process on what goes in boxes.
When my dad was alive, he used to get commodities from the Comanche tribe. All the food was excess military food. All the labels were generic looking (black and white labels). For some reason they would give the Indian tribes in Oklahoma a ton of government cheese. It made the best Mac and cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches. The first of the month all the tribal members would try to get there early to get the best choice. The old Indian joke was: why can’t you get a group photo of Indians…..because when you say cheese, they form a line.😂
@@Larz1961 the government cheese makes excellent cheese enchiladas
@@Larz1961 🤣🤣🤣
That’s funny
The same could be said if the Pittsburgh area in the 80s. We loved that government cheese
There is more that unites us than divides us
That's actually a really nice box if you ask me. Right off the bat, I was thinking chicken spaghetti with the chicken and spaghetti. Corn flake chewies with the cornflakes and peanut butter. I use canned tomatoes to make homemade salsa in the blender. Fruit salad with can fruit or ambrosia.
Excellent. I may have to try a salsa recipe to use the tomatoes. Thank you. 👍😁❤
When I was a young wife (a long while back) my husband's grandmother used to get that cheese ... It was very nice.
Reading through the comments it's obvious a lot of people have never been hungry. I certainly have. Some of what's in there is not my favorite, but all of it could be used in recipes.
I didn't intend for this video to blow up with the views. I anticipated about 30 to 50 views, which is my normal, not 10k views. Thank you to every single person who has watched my video and subscribed to my channel.
I am just an average person that cooks dinner for my mom on a regular basis. I enjoy cooking and have noticed my cooking skills increasing since i began my TH-cam journey approximately 6 months ago. Im not trying to be a TH-cam sensation. Im just having fun showing regular people how i cook regular food, sometimes with a twist. Thank you everyone. 👍😁❤
Thank you!
Here in upstate NYC. Sadly the illegals are coming into our community action pantry n catholic charities pantry they fill bags up leaves nothing for poor seniors....I'm glad your mom got little haul. Truly sad our country is dragged all these migrants in. Giving free food. Prepaid debit card for all kinds stuff free medical n food clothes n housing what disgrace
Llll
How do I get this blx
That is sad. The benefits they are receiving are from the state, not the federal government. When the election cycle starts for your state and city officials you need to let your voice be heard. Good luck to you. 👍🙂❤️
The corn flakes make a great breading for fish or chicken!
Great idea. Thank you. 👍😊❤️
Folks don't seem to realize the word "nutritious" is a relative term. According to the government, hospitals, etc. If it has calories it nourishes you. Hence it being called nutritious. In the US ( I can't speak for other countries) folks are spoiled. Many don't know what hunger is. And they should be thankful they don't. In our economy prices have doubled and tripled. Many folks cannot afford basics. Thank God there are food pantries, food stamps, etc. out there for those who need it. Instead of criticizing why not get proactive and see what you can do to help. If not mind your business and shut your mouth. It's very simple. Sheesh.
Noy only tht but everything in cans like soup, and the prepackaged meats had a lot ogf salt and preservitives in them including the canned chicken not only did it taste bad but it smelled off when you opened the can. for a while my sister and myself gsighed up for the boxes and finally dropped because we would be getting the same item in boxes.and the cheese is not cheese it is a cheese product if you read the box and also take a look and the sodium content it is the same as a carton of Velveta cheese product.
Might sound weird, but the chili beans instead of spaghetti sauce over the pasta is really good. Chopped up canned apricots in the cornflake muffins creates a moist, tender crumb and is a good source of sweetner. The diced tomatoes blitzed, with a bit of chicken bullion and milk makes a great tomato soup. Lots of good things in that box. Don’t forget, one spoon of peanut butter a day is a good source of protein. A little extra protein never hurts.
Great tips. Thank you very much. 👍🙂❤️
Love these ideas! Chili beans does sound a little weird but some of the best tasting things are 😁
Chili over pasta is amazing! We use bow tie or macaroni pasta. Egg noodles too!
@oceanblue2255 I may have to try that with egg noodles. 👍🙂❤️
Thank God your mom has the senior food boxes! So many elderly go hungry due to having to decide between eating or their medication. It’s disgusting how the U.S. government treats,no let me correct that, not treats but discards the elderly.
I feel the same way. It is sad. My siblings and I decided to never put mom in a nursing home. We will take care of her until the end. She's not sick or anything right now, but we made that decision.
We ARE the government. We get the representation we deserve. Do your research, be involved and vote
The white chicken can be used for white chili, openfaced chicken in gravy sandwiches, chicken salad, breaded and fried like nuggets. They used to give flour, oil, yeast, dried potato flakes, and powdered milk. Make the milk up to use in recipes that call for milk or hot cocoa. Commodity cheese was the best.
@@nyneeveanya8861 not to mention, chicken and noodles or chicken with drop dumplings.
Great ideas. Thank you both. 👍🙂❤️
When I was a child,( I'm 75 now) I remember going to the local fire station where government food was distributed. The items available were blocks of Velveeta cheese,dry beans,rice,one pound bricks of butter sometimes canned whole chicken. No boxed foods or fruits or vegetables.
@@rickdaystar477 ....I can remember my mother getting dry milk and sometimes dry eggs. Might have got instant potatoes too but not sure. I was still kind of young.
Edit: also got cans of peanut butter w/ a layer of oil that had to be mixed in. That stuff was so good.
@kathyleighton9091 Yes, that peanut butter was so delicious. My grandma would get that in her senior box and give it to my mom for us kids. 👍😊❤️
Used to volunteer for sharing programs
Was eye opening..the food stuff wasn't really healthy for elders. Only one church program offered fresh vegetables and better quality.
I understand that it's the economics that drive what is possible to share but this country needs to do way better than it does for seniors and children
My husband gets the commodity box as well each month. (He's 11 years older than me.) Where we live we get basically the same thing. It's amazing how much it helps supplement. We use almost everything but do the same thing and donate the apricots. He likes apricots but he's not a fan of the unpeeled canned variety but he knows someone else will appreciate it. We are very thankful each month for it. I'll have to look up a recipe for muffins using the cereal. I like the idea of that.
@@helenramsdell1959 wouldn't it be nice if things like flour, corn starch, corn meal , vinegar, healthy oil and even a couple of pounds of sugar were included? They would be very useful in many low cost recipes.
I can remember them handing out commodities in the last 60's my grandmother would pick them for a friend that live crossed the hills that did not have a car. It has been around a long time. I am glad people still get it does help some with the cost of food now.
@@kathyhoward3961 I loved the powdered eggs, and cheese.happy to have food.
My grandmother used to get commodities in the early 70's. I didn't know they still existed.
My grandma got them in the 80-90s. My mom is so grateful that it is available for her. 👍🙂❤️
It started again about the time of Covid. I believe
I think it has always been available. My mom started getting it in 2017. 👍🙂❤️
How do you get them
@lavonthompson88 there is a link in the description of the government website. Check to see if it's available in your area and fill out the application. Good luck and God bless you. 👍🙂❤️
Im not a senior citizen. In our county, we give a box of food for low-income residents. We often get the same thing your mom gets. It's not a lot, but it helps.
If you have a pet and have trouble affording food for them, look into your local shelters, some have a pet food bank that gives free pet food.
Great idea. Thank you. It only happens once in a while. The dogs food will run out on a Saturday night and the store she goes to is closed on Sundays. Thank you for your concern. 👍😁❤
Wow that is not very much ! In Canada we have a gurentee income to give seniors extra money ,and the food bank delivers to if un able ,and it a lot of food and frozen meat and a gallon of milk ,and many deserts .and now free dental care ,I wish the U S would treat there seniors better ,Many other countrys do !
I agree. We should be able to give better healthier box of help. Although there is a SNAP program seniors can apply for which gives money for food at store that they can use as they want
@katbow5922 Although, not all seniors qualify for the SNAP program. My mom doesn't qualify for it. 😭 Which is why me and my other siblings help her as much as we are able.
@@MelonieTriesRecipes Do you have local food banks ? We have a program in our town where fresh produce and some shelf stable items are handed out to anyone who shows up at the Human Services on thursdays from 4-6 pm. Just drive thru and you almost always get potatoes, a couple apples and oranges. Pasta, rice and beans and whatever crops are in season..like squash
@@katbow5922 Yes, we do. We have a few. I will show case them in another video. Sry it took so long to respond. I didn't get a notification.
@@SueB-r4g other countries put their own citizens FIRST, here the non citizens, undocumented are the only ones getting the rewards due to people who have contributed over a lifetime of taxes
I think it's very interesting since I donate to various foodbanks, pantries and other food services...I like to see where the products go and how balanced (or not balanced) the meals are which go out. Thanks!
I have a video coming out Friday at 7pm est. It's a food pantry haul for mom from a local church. Thanks for watching. 👍😊❤
My nephew worked for the government in some dairy program. He said the government cheese is very high quality because of government farm subsidies for dairy farmers. I've had the cheese and it was excellent...
you can puree the apricots, make smoothies, ice cream, sluushys, topping for pancakes, add yogurt, sugar, put inside loaf cake mixes, muffins.....
Wow. That's an amazing list of tips. Thank you very much. 👍😁❤️
Yeah! I love apricots. Especially in jam or jam cookies. Yum. Wonder if that cheese is the same government cheese I used to get like 44 yrs ago from W.I.C.? That stuff was the BOMB! I used to be able to buy it later with my own money but haven't seen it in many many years. It was in a blue box at store. It was NOT like Velveeta or any of those. Very firm and so flavorful. My daughter loved it when she was old enough. I am disabled and a senior myself but I have been blessed to have my disability insurance tho it's of course not like when I was able to earn. So I haven't as of yet looked into any food banks etc. My daughters company closed it's doors and she only got one round of piddly unemployment because it was all pretty much wiped out by our current seniors in charge of the Whitehouse. She's unable to find work she can do so far. She's not well but not much help there. So I help as much as I can. I sure would love some of that REAL GOVERNMENT CHEESE tho lol. Idk where they got it but I'm telling you it was the best I've ever had. I know alot of peeps who say the same. Thanks for the vid. Hey did you know you can make FUDGE with PINTO BEANS? Yes ma'am! Delicious. Thank you for the vid🙏🏼✌🏼🫶🏼
Good senior box.
Excellent box of food. Thanks for sharing. 😊
Thanks for watching! 👍😁❤
I don’t know why I find this video Interesting. I guess because it’s knowledgeable to know what low income seniors get.
I’d love to cook for my son who is 30 years old and his new wife. I don’t work, but they work really hard. The wife doesn’t get off work Until 6 o’clock at night, so she doesn’t get home until about 6:30. I cook for them Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. They don’t live with me, but they live a mile down the road. I’ve always cooked for my family and even though he moved out, I still cooked for him and now his wife too. Lately I’ve been hooked on those meal kits that get delivered to your house. It’s become my hobby, picking out the meals, cooking them, sharing them with my family. I think I’m obsessed with food. At least that’s what my husband says. It’s just him and I that live in the house but I have two regular size refrigerators and they have freezers also, then I have a standalone standup freezer, and two refrigerators/freezers. A lot of them are packed with food. What causes this food obsession I have no idea. 🤷♀️ The next two weeks I’m not ordering any meal kits and I’m gonna start cleaning out my freezers and fridges So I’m gonna be making home-cooked meals. I might get some ideas of what to make just by looking at your mom’s box of food.
I support this program as no one should be hungry anywhere especially in America… when politicians campaign on cutting food assistance to seniors, children and the disabled it is time to vote them out of office. And, if she wants to give her dog some chicken so what… we people of means do. I just wish they would include come fresh chicken, meat and ground beef… I know that can complicate the process but a pound of each goes a long way and adds a protein variety.
I agree, but I also have to wonder how easy it would be to provide perishable food.
Those corn flakes ,can be added to ground meat or canned meat/ fish and make tasty patties or loafs. 😊
Love ,👵grandmother ❤
Excellent tip. Thank you. 👍🙂❤️
Any unneeded items in a food donation box can be given to a homeless shelter, a women's shelter, or put in a "Little Food Pantry" in your town...
Not the first time I've done that, and you can swap a block of cheese for home grown veggies
The Del Monte tomatoes are great warmed up, then add two eggs cover and cook until eggs are done. Mom used to make
that for us on the weekends as a quick lunch when we where younger.
Oh yes. I've seen recipes like that. It looks and sounds excellent. ❤
Shakushka!!
@@MelonieTriesRecipesGoogle “shakshouka” it’s eggs poached in a sauce of tomatoes, peppers, onions and garlic . It is SO delicious! Maybe your mom would like this sometimes. You could make this as a supper too, make some pasta and serve it over the pasta. Maybe wirh some bread of some kind to sop up the juices.
And you can add or subtract ingredients according to taste. But the tomatoes, peppers onion and garlic are the basic sauce.
A blessing!
Great prep items too! Stock up for a rainy day!
That milk in the carton is really good, actually
Yes. Thank you. 👍🙂❤️
I remember standing in line for hours to get one in Tennessee. The cheese was so good, ours looked different, flour, peanut butter, butter, evaporated cream, corn meal, some can vegetables, powered milk. Memories, kids got peanut butter fudge for a treat.😊
Get a pack of ramen noodles, add some of that chicken , handful of canned or frozen veggies, favorite spices/ herbs and you have a tasty chicken noodle soup! We do this for a quick and tasty meal! Bon appetite!
Excellent. Great idea. Thank you. 👍😊❤️
Every little bit helps - people who don't know that have never had to pinch a penny. Corn muffins from corn flakes - now that is an interesting idea. I make bran muffins from raisin bran cereal - just add more raisins - yummy.
I've made the corn before and they were excellent. I will definitely be making the recipe again. 👍😁❤️
Yes its over processed, crap food, but when you are hungry, you are grateful to fill your belly with anything.
I agree and you can make so many things out of these basics.
I remember those large boxes of cheese when I was receiving boxes for the women /childern program (after WIC ends) anyways the kids loved it as well as me...
Great upload, many people don't know about these resources!!! Thank you.
Thank you. 👍😊❤️
Grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup (blender those extra tomatoes)! Apricots can make good cookies if you get a sugar cookie mix...even apricot pancakes or muffins. (dollar store mixes will work)
Thanks for the tips! 👍😁❤️
There's recipes online to make a cobbler that doesn't require much ingredients & uses canned peaches/apricots/whatever.
@Nirrrina Nice. I'll have to look for it. Thank you very much. 👍😊❤️
Just blend the apricots and use it for making muffins . Or over your cooked oatmeal .
@EvelinHolmes awesome. Thanks for the tip. 👍🙂❤️
People, including me, love these unboxing videos. As you can tell by the views!
I guess so. The response to this video has been totally unexpected. Thank you for watching my video and have an amazing weekend. 👍🙂❤️
I am planning another unboxing video. It should be out in about 7-10 days. Thanks again. 😊
@@MelonieTriesRecipesgood! I've only watched a minute or so, I'll finish in a minute. I glanced at the comments. Man, there are some judgemental, critical, negative people in the world. So sorry they found you. 😊 I'm subscribing just to help balance the negativity. Don't let them get to you.❤
@renel7303 Thank you so very much. 👍😊❤
My mom has been keeping up with the video and reading all the comments. She is just as amazed as I am with the overwhelming out pouring of support. We both appreciate all the views, recipes, and new subscribers. We both hope everyone has enjoyed the video and has a blessed day. PS- There is a link in the description to the government website. Thank you. 👍😁❤
@@MelonieTriesRecipes Thank you so much for getting back to me. I really appreciate it ❤️
Where do you live ?
Michigan
Hight starch, low nutrition, cheap food. Orange gummies, Eggs, bread,jelly or honey, milk,butter and coffee/tea are needed. Frozen veg.s. fresh fruit.
Why so much p.b. and as u heard, pets need food too. Donate dog, cat and bird kibbles.❤
Grand Rapids
thank you for sharing this information with us. It looks like some very good offerings, especially the cheese and canned goods. I'm a little concerned about the amount of tomato products - tomatoes are not recommended for folks with arthritis and gout, but the products you received - if you don't have those health concerns, lend themselves to variety - the making of soups, pasta, or simply stewed tomatoes. I'm a little sad that no green veggies were included, but I do realize many of this type of service depends on what the agencies have left...and I'm sure the other goes more quickly. That chicken looks wonderful and would make good casseroles as well with the noodles. 🙂
You can use the canned diced tomatoes to make salsa, add chopped onion, some dried oregano, salt, garlic salt and fresh minced garlic, and if you don’t want to buy a packet chili pequin use the one they put with pizza when you order pizza. Or use canned jalapeño diced as much or little as you want. You can also use some of that canned diced tomato in your pasta sauce. The cheese you can use too to make enchiladas, or on tacos and burritos. Or instead of grilled cheese make it with a tortilla for a quesadilla.
I get Commodities too. However they canceled it in July because they told me, the food did NOT SHOW UP! They said to wait until August. They usually miss about 4 months out of the year, due to no driver to bring the food to the drop-off place, or someone went on vacation. This is a govt program. I find it hard to believe a truck "didn't show up"
Ugh. That is too bad. In the last few years the pickup location for my mom's box has changed 3 times and this month we have to go to a new location again. Also, there are times when the volunteers are rude.
When that happens they usually double up the boxes the next
Month.
Several of the items look like food pantry staples, so they may be all the same commodity. Looks like several pop tops. Easier for arthritic hands. Nice to have some pantry staples for in between trips to the market for fresh produce, or in case she CAN'T get out for health reasons. Prepped meals and meats for low energy days is handy. It's no doubt meant as a supplement for when times are difficult. Not every senior can still cut up large fruit or has time to eat massive salads before they go bad. They're manageable shelf stable items. Maybe those panicking over gmo can make an effort to donate in their local community to help seniors in their area. Meanwhile I am sure thousands benefit from any food. Regardless of dietary buzzwords.
Excellent response. Thank you very much.
Very nice!
Thank you for the link, Melonie. Blessings to you and your Mom (and her dog).
I'll tell her you said that. Thank you. God bless you and your family. 👍🙂❤️
I'll tell her you said that. Thank you. God bless you and your family. 👍🙂❤️
My grandma and mom used tonget this and shared the food with me monthly.
If you've never been hungry or food insecure, you wouldn't understand...
So true
That’s a really nice haul, good for several meals for several days! The nutrition is pretty good, too. Good job, box distributor.
but it is not very neutritous with to much starch and sali and none of it like the canned beef was only hamburger with not flavor no matter how much seasoning in it and the same went for the canned pork way too much fat and grease.
You can make a great recipe with the canned tomatoes. Simmer on low, add some spices if you like (parsley, garlic). Add cooked spaghetti, some chicken from your package and 1-2 inch cheese slice. Let everything cook on low until heated and cheese has melted. Tomato nutrition actually increases with heating. I make this recipe all the time. Great as leftovers too. :)
Sounds like a delicious recipe. Thank you for sharing. 👍😁❤
Am a senior and also got a box of commodities this month - very good stuff with which to make many decent meals. However, I have a problem with food allergies and cannot eat gluten products such as pasta, nor eggs, nor peanut butter. I must also significantly reduce my dairy intake. Therefore, like you, I had to give away some of the goodies that I was given.
I use oatmeal to make muffins and use beans to make bean pie (which is surprisingly good). Virtually all of my soups/stews contain rice and/or beans. There is one thing I'd like to see in these boxes = Spam! Spam is so good either for breakfast or lunch time sandwich and can be put into stews as well. There are other processed meat products that can be good additions to the box ingredients. And hopefully, some day we will have alternatives for those things we cannot eat due to allergies.
Overall, it is a great service for seniors such as myself.
Oh come on! These "allergies" were not a problem for us growing up. It's ridiculous.
@@boobookittysheri9793
Well, I'm glad for you that they were not. But for me and others like me it was. Years ago I was not aware of them and always got sick. Back in 1980 I missed 10 weeks of work due to stomach problems. My doctors could not figure out what the cause was. Years later we learned why, stopped eating allergy causing food, and now at the advanced age of 72 my stomach feels better than it did since I was 8 years old.
So go ahead and count your blessings. But please don't belittle those of us who have this problem.
Yes, the gluten allergy is horrible for those who suffer with it. My friend has it. I am very sensitive to milk products. Ugh, the stomach cramps are pretty bad. But, I still eat cheese and ice cream, just dealing with it.
Good job showing this! In my experience, some items are staples that are usually in every box, but over the months the varieties can change. So one month the cereal may be corn flakes, the next month might be oatmeal or rice cereal. The beans may be pinto, red, white, or black, etc. The nuts may be walnuts or pistachios, etc. . Very few people like *everything* in the box. I can't stand canned green beans! 😂 However, by having these in my pantry, I can free up funds to cater to my preferences.❤
The box given out in my area is called a share box. They can give the seniors better selections, fresh fruit, and vegetables. More protein. I know it's free, but they tell them to eat better, less processed food, but give them that kind of food
In Ohio, the government box contains two boxes of cereals two milk 7 cans of vegetarian vegetables, a box of cheese, two spaghetti three cans of fruits, once in a while peanut butter, three cans of meat, and instant potatoes plus juice Nothing like Michigan.
Wow. That sounds like an awesome food box. Thanks for sharing. 👍😊❤️
@@janispatton1674 ....sounds similar to what we get in NH but we also get rice and dried beans. We get 2 boxes every other month and once during the summer we get a grocery bag filled w/ assorted fresh veggies and fruits.
The shelf stable milk is just as tasty as regular. It can be used with cornflakes for breakfast. The tomato products can make spaghetti sauce. Add the chicken for protein. You can also do casseroles with the chicken. Just some ideas. God bless!
I very much appreciate your tips/suggestions. Thank you very much. 👍😊❤
This^ Shelf stable milk is great for cooking,as is reconstituted powdered milk.If you find either to have an off taste(an individual preference) when drinking, try drinking them very cold. Or use them in recipes and by a small amount for drinking.
@@MelonieTriesRecipes also I mix the boxed milk with 2% milk I buy at grocery store. I like the taste better and it stretches it.. I live in a HUD senior living complex. If there is something one person doesn't want we give to neighbors that do want it.
@patsy-hm9rg excellent. 👍😊❤️
That block cheese is good stuff.
Agree my family has had it over the last 45 years when we struggled. Makes great Mac&Cheese, and grilled cheese.
@conniejoosten4627 yes. It's the best.
Yea we like it to. 🧀☕️
I use diced tomatoes in with my spaghetti sauce to stretch it out.
My neighbor, when I was nine, had 7 children and collected something each month called USDA Commodities. I had assumed that when I see women in the store using WIC vouchers , those must be the modern version, but seeing your video makes me wonder 🤔 In those days, you got the block of government cheese but you got powdered eggs and milk. One month, you got a can of pork, and the next, you got a can of meatball stew. Instead of cold cereal that kids would eat, they got something called Farina 😂.
Ah, yes. Ferina is cream of wheat. My mom gets that too some months. She really likes it. Thanks for watching my video. 👍😊❤
Peanut Butter cookies,,, my step son use to make Peanut butter pie,,,,so good,, but, be careful if you suffer from Debites.., also,, the chicken can be used for Chicken Tacos,, works Great,,
Chicken and cheese quesadillas would be delicious, quick and easy😊
Mmmm i agree. Yummy
It's free I'm thankful, for anything. I don't have to pay for .
Exactly true. I'm thankful and so is my mom. 👍😊❤
Thank you for showing this. I see some brands I used to get from our local food pantry. I am very thankful they were there for me during covid until the end of '23. We are doing so much better now. My son bought us a house, and we are fixing it up beautifully. But I will never forget those who helped us...kept us from starving while he attended college full time on the new G.I. BILL. But as a type 2 diabetic myself I agree with one of the responses here that maybe sourcing lower carb options would be nice. Anyway....nice video
Thank you. Have a great rest of your evening. 👍😊❤️
Yes, ma'am, I'm grateful. I only survived the first part of the pandemic due to community handouts. That said, much of it was expired pastry. I ate whatever I could get and got very, very sick. Hand in hand with that; insulin wasn't available. That said, someone did something. Someone collected food and handed it out to anyone in need. There was thriving trade, and I never passed the chance to trade old pastries for old vegetables, canned beans, etc. I now have a new heart murmur and kidney damage. Not the fault of the people trying to help, it was the circumstances. It sucked for most people. Just glad we made it through so we can bitch about it afterward. RIGHT? ❤❤ THAT was the point.
It is wonderful that this service is offered. With just a few tweaks it could be made more nutritious with a a bit more variety. As long as you have the ability to supplement this, it makes a good starting point for some decent meals.
Yes, exactly. 👍🙂❤️
I took my grandmother back in the early to mid 80's when the government released their surplus of 5 lb. Wax wrapped in cardboard box American cheese. That was the best American cheese I have ever eaten to this day!! It was aged. She had me take her to all the surrounding county's!!😁
Omg cheese! I have not seen that since 1993 in my area.
I don't know how often your mom receives the box, but that's a lot of tomato products if the boxes come in a short time. Useful items and good ideas of how to use them from you. I'm glad that you have a place nearby to donate items that you and your mom won't use. Pass it on, pay it forward! I don't know of your area has a pet food bank, but if they do, you may be able to use it when you're low on dog food and save the chicken for your mom. If not, bless you for making sure the pooch gets fed!
Thank you very much. 👍😊❤️
Oh, and apricots! I do a lazy cobbler with them and a few fresh blueberries. It’s delicious.
Excellent idea. Thank you very much. 👍😁❤
@MelonieTriesRecipes That's what I was going to suggest. You can cut them up to make a cobbler and season it with cinnamon and a little nutmeg like you would do a peach.
Terrible, unkind judgemental people! I wish I had not read the comments. All the best to you and your mother.
There are some comments I would have rather not read myself. Have a blessed evening. 👍🙂❤️
for i while i took the boxes but then when the food was not very nutritous and high in sald, carbs and chemicals we stopped getting them.
I was not being unkind or judgemental I was getting these boxes and there was a lot of timed people did not lke or for diet reasons they could not eat.
@@JanetYoung-k5kyet you comment virtually the same thing over and over and you are indeed very negative.
I am mature, I can remember my Mamaws box. It contained things to cook with. Flour, cornmeal, real butter. Peanut butter in a can, she was so happy with this. I think there was also a cheese product. So different than what we get now. . I'm diabetic, so there's so many things in my box I can't eat.
Ugh. That's too bad. ❤
@@beckylipps7286 As rampant as diabetes is in the U.S., you'd think they would have diabetic boxes. My Dad is supposed to be low sodium - likes to tell people his doctor put him on LSD (low sodium diet) & then yucks it up - & lots of older folks are. They could do that too but that's expecting WAY too much. A diabetic box should be a given, I'd think. (My 2¢)
@beth7215 just so you know, every canned food item in my mom's food box is low sodium. I know I didn't specify it in the video. Yes, that would be a good idea to offer a diabetic box.
I grew up w/ commodity foods. I can remember going w/ my mother to pick up the boxes. It helped stretch our food for sure since my mother was practically the sole provider for everything as my birth father drank away his paychecks. I am grateful for whatever I get now from the boxes. I pass on what I don't want or eat as it is helping someone else.
@beckylipps7286....I remember the food boxes growing up. We used to get real butter, the peanut butter in a can w/ a layer of oil that had to be mixed in. We got powdered milk, powdered eggs, cheese. Pretty sure there was rice, dry beans and maybe flour and/or cornmeal....I'm not too sure on these items.
I think it's perfectly fine to do what you want with your box. But as soon as you said that about peanut butter and chicken I knew some would be judgemental.
Ignore them. It's
"Your" box!!
Thank you 👍🙂❤️
Unfortunately, a diet of healthy fats, fresh fruits and veggies and whole foods is unaffordable for many people. It's what's in the box or go hungry. If they have the means, or get snap benefits they can supplement with better quality things, and they usually do.
Many food pantries won't even take donations of fresh foods because they lack the refrigeration necessary to safely keep it. I've argued that fresh food wouldn't last long enough to have to refrigerate it but that's their rule. At this point I have to limit my donations to canned meats, nuts, and olive oil.
We need to be doing a lot better for people who rely on food boxes like this.