By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–In Henry County, several organizations are working to lessen the burden on local folks when the SNAP food benefits are not renewed Friday, November 1, due to the government shutdown.
There are a large number of Little Pantries in Henry County where food is continually donated. Organizers have said, “Making sure our neighbors have the food they need this month is going to be a community effort.”
Little Pantries of Henry County has a Facebook page and if you’d like to donate to Little Pantries of Henry County, just drop your food donation in any pantry box (https://littlepantriesofhc.wixsite.com/…/pantry-locations) or message them to make arrangements for larger donations. 100% of monetary donations are used to buy food, so if you’d like to donate money, you can Venmo @Little-Pantries or mail a check to PO Box 25, Paris, TN 38242.
The Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse in Henry County is expecting high volumes in their food pantry and families in our community are going to need assistance. Their food pantry is located at their headquarters at 305 W. Washington St. in downtown Paris.
Director Carly Wheat said, “We are asking for “Meal in A Bag” similar to the one in the photo for our food pantry. This would be a great group project for small groups, youth groups, Sunday School classes, volunteer opportunities, etc. These images are just a few ideas and can be anything that fit into the bag , but know these meals will certainly make a difference for a family!”
What’s a “Meal in a Bag?” It’s a complete meal that fits into a single ziploc bag made entirely from shelf-stable ingredients like canned and boxed goods. Each one is designed to feed four adults for less than $10, and can be easily stored, donated, or used for quick emergency dinners so you just grab it, cook it, and go! Plus, the bag helps keep our food pantry organized and easily a grab and go item for a family.
What about boxed dinners that call for extras like milk and butter?
Try to make each bag as all-inclusive as possible. You can use evaporated milk, which is very close to heavy cream (and heavy cream is essentially just milk + butter!) It’s shelf-stable and fits perfectly in the bags. It’s not always possible to make every single one 100% inclusive.
And for those who are unaware, the Henry County Food Bank has moved. It’s still in the Central Service building but has moved to a different room. Please drive around behind the building to the last parking lot. You will see the sign on the door. Food Bank is open Monday Wednesday and Friday from 3-4 p.m. at 55 Jones Bend Rd. Extended, Paris.
Photo: One of the “Meals in a Bag” being requested by Carl Perkins Center.