There But by the Grace of God

Go I. Have you ever whispered those words? I believe most of us have. Do we feel lucky? Or blessed or humbled?

Over the years, Hubby and I have done our share of community service. Not only in our local parish, but also on a larger scale within our greater community through National Organizations. We joined up with Christmas in April, which was both a lot of fun and physical work. We did volunteer work with Catholic Charities of Sacramento, working one-on-one with homeless families as well as co-chairing the Homeless Haven Board.

While most of our work of late is tied directly to our parish, each time we’ve raised our hands in answer to the Lord’s call, it’s been a rewarding experience. The first Friday in September was National Food Bank Day. So why am I sharing this with you so late? One thing we have learned throughout the years is that on big National drives such as Christmas, Thanksgiving or the first Friday in September, the outpouring is amazing. The donation binds during Lent overflow as people donate what they have chosen to give up. And that’s wonderful. But the truth of the matter is that people go hungry in this country every day. Every day!

There are people living on the streets out of necessity who truly don’t want to be there. Just as there are people living on the streets who are there because it is a way of life they have chosen, be it due to substance addiction or mental illness. Without family support, these people will more than likely remain on the streets. Those with substance addiction cannot be helped by their family or community unless they make the first step. We cannot kick addition for them, no matter how much we wish we could. And those with mental illnesses need to be surrounded by people willing to do what they cannot – remind them to take their meds, remind them to seek help. When a homeless person with mental illness gets help, for a time things are better. But without constant reinforcement, once they feel better, it’s off the meds because they feel “fine”. And it’s not long before their world has crumbled once again.

So while we cannot cure substance abuse and mental illness, while there will always be those who live on the streets, we can and should feed those who cannot feed themselves. There is no excuse for letting even one person go hungry.

That’s my rant on the subject. Food Banks are in need of Peanut Butter and Hamburger Helper Boxed Dinners year round. So next time you’re buying groceries, pick up an extra jar of Peanut Butter. Or a selection of Boxed Dinners. It’s not going to break the bank, and you just might make someone’s day.

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Stroganoff Helper Without the box
Seasoning Pack
1 tablespoon Arrowroot
1-1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
2-1/2 teaspoons Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon Pepper
1-1/2 teaspoon Dried Chives
1/4 teaspoon Parsley Flakes

Mix together seasoning pack ingredients in a small bowl. Set aside.

Note: If giving this as a gift, mix in a bowl, place in a small sandwich bag, lable “Seasoning Pack for Stroganoff”.

Stroganoff Helper
1 lb lean Ground Meat (Beef, Chicken or Turkey)
1 cup HOT water
1-1/2 cups Milk
3/4 cup Sour Cream
2 cups Small Egg Noodles
1 cup Mushrooms, sliced

Note: If giving as a gift, place egg noodles in a quart bag. Include canned sliced mushrooms and cooking instructions.

In a large skillet, brown the ground meat. Drain well.

Add water, milk, sour cream and pasta. Bring to a boil. Stir in seasoning package and mushrooms.

Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, about 14 minutes or until liquid has evaporated and noodles are tender.

Remove from heat, uncover, and allow to sit for 5 minutes for sauce to thicken. Serve and enjoy. Stroganoff goes well with green vegetables such as canned green beans.

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I trust in the mercy of God for ever