The season of Lent takes place over the 40 days (not including Sundays) between 2/17 and 4/4.  It’s a time when many folks give something up, or take something on.  How about doing both?  What if you and your family made a commitment to collect 40 items to go into our food pantry over the next 40 days?  Here’s a suggested list of the most needed items and quantities:

2 bottles of 100% Fruit Juice (or any good juice)
4 cans of fruit - peaches, pears, fruit cocktail, applesauce, etc.
4 cans of meat packed in water - tuna, salmon, chicken, etc.
4 cans of soup or stew
5 cans of vegetables - beans, carrots, corn, peas, etc.
2 boxes of cereal

1 box of cornmeal
1 box of crackers - Ritz(tm), saltines
2 bags of dry beans
2 cans of evaporated milk
1 box of instant mashed potatoes
1 jar of jelly or jam
4 boxes of mac & cheese
2 boxes of mix - cakes, pancakes, Bisquik(tm), muffins, etc.
1 box of oatmeal
2 packages of pasta - spaghetti, noodles, etc.
1 can of spaghetti sauce
1 jar of peanut butter
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40 items

Download a copy of the list from here (right-click or ctrl-click and save the file to your computer).

All the bottles and jars should be plastic - no glass please.  Cans and packages should be normal size (not restaurant size), and all items need to be in-date.  Bring your items to the church sanctuary so we can all share in this movemet of the Spirit.  Pray about, talk it over, and then let's make a difference for the hungry in our community.  Together we can!