Kids Serving the Community

Step 1: Make a list of the items you might want to put in your bag.  We went to Costco and thought about the following things when choosing items:

• Easy to eat: food that does not need a spoon and that is not too messy

• Covid friendly: we chose food that is prepackaged (and we had very clean hands while packaging!)

• Travels well: bananas are awesome but bruise super easily

• Allergies: we stayed away from foods with nuts

• Healthy and yummy: we tried to pick different kinds of foods

• Usefulness: we included hand sanitizer but could also add hand warmers, socks, mittens, toothbrushes, etc.

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Check out this list for other ideas

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Step 2: Go Shopping!  Get your items and the bags that you will put your items in.  We used 1 Gallon Clear Resealable Bags but use whatever you have on hand or whatever is available.

 

Step 3: Write/print a note.  Add a little personal note like the one here with a little bit of encouragement and care.

 

Step 4: Assemble your bags.  Make sure your hands are clean and do it together!

 

Step 5: Give out your bags. We went to Downtown Toronto and easily found some friends who were happy to receive a care package.  Depending on where you live, you may have less people who are visibly in need.  Consider talking to people at a drop in centre or a food bank who may be able to provide you with suggestions.  For this step, the kids stayed in the car and the adults did the sharing of the bags.

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Some other helpful tips:

• You can keep care packages in your car for those times that you may see someone in need

• "Would you like a care package?" is a respectful way to offer a bag

• Respect people's privacy and do not take any photos or ask unwanted questions

• Be prepared to have a family conversation related to food insecurity before distributing

• Use the drive home as a time for a family conversation about gratitude and the impact you might have made