PB&J for the Hungry? Can you do this? Yes, you can.

PB&J for the Hungry - probably more info than you want to hear.


Simple approach -
Get a

• loaf (or two) of white bread (*)
• a Jar of Jelly (I used Welch's Grape)
• A Jar of Peanut Butter (I use Skippy's creamy - some of these folks have dental problems, so I stay away from the chunky variety)

On the Day of distribution

• Lay out the bread slices (by pairs) on the counter (I put about 12 pairs out at once - which is pretty close to a loaf)
• Spread the peanut butter (a good healthy amount that your father or brother would appreciate)
• Scoop out some jelly on the other side - again, almost as much as possible (like your brother or father would appreciate - and still be able to eat without a bunch of napkins to clean up)
• Fill as many zip lock (or other) sandwich bags as you need (I am able to place two sandwiches in each bag - why not fill them up?)

Place the sealed bags on a box (like the shape of a produce box from costco or something that is not too tall, but strong enough to carry all your sandwiches).  

At the appointed time, go to your appointed distribution spot.  Start out handing out one bag per person (and don't be offended if they decline your offer) and, if you have extras after making rounds, offer a second bag.

And, take a little time to chat with the folks you are serving.  How are they?  Are they enjoying the weather?  Do they have a roof?  Is their family in town?  

Respond honestly.  When appropriate, ask people if they would like you to pray for them.  Tell them when you will be back (and then keep your word).   I was surprised that some of the guys thought that 'jelly ruined a perfectly good peanut butter sandwich'.  No problem - next time, I brought some straight peanut butter sandwiches - and kept track of them, so I could deliver them to the guys who requested them.  

You will be surprised.  Treat them like God's children - beloved by Him.  

Yeah, you should probably go in teams of at least two persons -just cause.  Go to a place you have scoped out ahead of time - at the time/place you intend to visit when distributing.  Different places have 'meals' at different days of the week/month and the folks seem to 'migrate' as the opportunities arise.  

Details 

(*) - I make bread - so I make the loaves that turn into sandwiches.  They are not 'wonder bread' shaped - but they turn out a little different each time I do it.  Ignoring the cost of heat and labor, the ingredients cost about 45 cents a bag for about 24 bags of two sandwiches each (with each bag weighing about 6-8 ounces).  If you buy fresh bread, you would have to adjust your costs.  

I bake the bread the day before I am going to assemble the sandwiches and place them in a plastic bag overnight, so the crust softens.  I hand slice the loaves - trying to make the bread as thin as possible so it will hold the PB&J and not fall apart.  

Where - Actually, I tag along with some people who have a regularly scheduled 'feed' (two fridays per month) and hand out the bags after the folks have eaten their dinner.  The idea is that the PB&J sandwiches are for when hunger hits - in the night; in the morning; or whenever. 

If I was to try to find a place to do this - I would talk to people who provide services to the homeless and disadvantaged and get advice.  The goal is to serve them - so it's worth a little effort to figure out what that means.

When -  This one is for you:  When can YOU do this?  How often from a time and money standpoint does it work for YOU?  Can you commit for 3-6 months of doing this so that you can be regular and anticipated?  Is there another group where you can 'tag along' and help their 'clientele'?  

Remember, if it doesn't work for you - you won't keep it going - and it won't work in the long run.  

Do you have to do this MY way?

Absolutely not.  In fact, do it YOUR own way.  Do it the best way for the people you are feeding.  Maybe you will find out that PB&J is not what they need.  Maybe you will find that it's best to make your visit in the morning.  Approach this with doing what people need - and you will be doing the right thing.

I understand that I am lucky.  Someone else was gathering these folks - and I tagged along.  Maybe you can do the same  - tag along with another group.

And, if you would like to come see how it works - come see us.  Email me at BreadByDan@gmail.com and we can make arrangements.

I spend about two hours each afternoon on the 'feed days' slicing, spreading and bagging the sandwiches.  If you would like to help with that (in your own kitchen) let me know.

An Option - even Simpler...For You

I figure that it costs me (in out of pocket ingredients) about $12 per week.  Consider contributing $25 to cover the month.  Not deductible - just an investment in some people you will never meet.  If you DO participate with me - I will see what I can do to expand this effort - so someone else is making and distributing PB&J sandwiches to another group of folks in the San Diego area.  Maybe it will be someone who feels their heart tug when they read this post????  Maybe.  

And, don't forget to pray for those folks receiving the sandwiches.  They need so much more than a couple sandwiches twice a month.  We can lift them up a couple times and give them something to look forward to - but there are a lot of days in the month when we aren't there in the park.  

dan