Over the years, I have been a volunteer chef at the local preschool where many of the children there are homeless and rely on a nourishing meal. They have since relocated the preschool and it is now housed in the local homeless shelter. I volunteer as a teacher, when time permits, to teach mainly women who are transitioning back from homelessness how to cook on a budget. Typically the meal is for a family of 4 and should cost $10.00. One way to achieve a cost effective meal is to rely on beans as they are high in protein and inexpensive. I prefer canned beans, but you can soak dried beans overnight as well. I want to share with you some of my meals for families on a budget.
First, a few things about homelessness based on an article by National Alliance to END HOMELESSNESS
The solution to homelessness is straightforward: housing. By connecting people experiencing homelessness to housing (public housing) and services, they have a platform from which they can address other areas that may have contributed to their homelessness — such as unemployment, health, and substance abuse.
In many places across America, there is simply not enough available affordable housing. Without this housing stock, many homeless Americans are likely to continue to cycle in and out of homelessness
Also, low-income families are at high risk for homelessness due to unemployment or being underemployed due to a number of factors, such as a challenging labor market; limited education; a gap in work history; unreliable transportation or unstable housing; or poor health.
The homeless shelter that I volunteer at provides training and job placement, and educates residents (some are residents some are out on their own, but come back for continued support and education) on health care options. Most importantly it provides a place that is warm, caring and nurturing – something they desperately need!
My job is to teach them to make a meal. It’s amazing that the first meal I made with them was eggplant and no one had heard of an eggplant let alone eaten one! My Armenian Eggplant Casserole I am happy to say was a bit hit! You should see the dishes they developed! Here is the link to my recipe.
https://marioochskitchen.com/recipe/armenian-eggplant-casserole/
This meal is my families’ favorite. It is on the lighter side but we serve it with a side of sour cream, and you can offer some delicious warm bread along side it to dip into the eggplant. This is my go-to meal! Here is a fabulous bread recipe as well. Here is the link.https://marioochskitchen.com/recipe/armenian-easter-bread/
Here are a few soups which are also family favorites Pasta Fagioli Soup made with white beans and Lentil Soup. These soups are very hearty. Here are the links.https://marioochskitchen.com/recipe/pasta-fagioli soup/https://marioochskitchen.com/recipe/lentil-soup/
Pasta is another great option when you are trying to feed a family and provide a hearty meal. Pasta, Tuna and Peas is a great choice. Here is the link.https://marioochskitchen.com/recipe/pasta-tuna-peas/ We all love this meal, and it offers the peas and tuna both of which have added protein. Peas are a starchy vegetable, but are very nutritious. Another meal that was offered by another chef the day I visited the shelter was pasta with blanched kale, and you can add a white bean to that.
Meat and chicken also offer necessary vitamins, some more ideas for incorporating meat and chicken are my taco boats ( or tacos), chicken and rice burrito bowls, enchiladas with cheese sauce, and sloppy joes all of these can be found on my website by typing the name in the search bar. These meals are low on cost, but high on taste!
Enjoy!! xo