Hunger Service Ideas for Lions of 5M5

We serve to improve human flourishing. We see how the global hunger and nutrition crisis bears upon our local communities, and believe true community improvement depends on the thriving of its members. 

HERE ARE IDEAS IN ONE OF THE FIVE KEY AREAS OF SERVICE ON WAYS TO SERVE YOUR COMMUNITY:

• Shop and deliver food for at-risk seniors. 

• Help with Meals on Wheels and deliver meals.

• Food Shelf volunteer - Volunteer at a food shelf or pantry.

• Assist any local free meal program with shut in deliveries.

• Prepare and/or serve food at Loaves and Fishes - https://www.loavesandfishesmn.org/ Check out their web site for a list of volunteer opportunities around the Twin Cities area.

• Create Blessing Bags. These bags have a variety of non-perishable food, silverware, disposable plates, and napkins to give to people asking for money at stoplights. They also can be distributed to people who are near homeless shelters.     https://www.thriftynorthwestmom.com/blessing-bag-meals/
  
• Collect food for a local food shelf. Emphasize that people donate:

                         Whole grain products

                         Food low in saturated and trans fats  

                         Food low in sodium  
                        Lean sources of protein
                        Fruits that are minimally processed
                       Vegetables that are minimally processed
                       Dairy products or milk substitutes that are high in calcium  
                        Beverages including 100% fruit or vegetable juice  
                       Basic staple foods  
                       Staple foods that encourage cooking and baking at home (e.g., broth, flour)

• Decorate lunch bags for Meals on Wheel recipients. In addition to receiving the hot portion of the meal in a tray, Meals on Wheels recipients get the cold portion in a lunch bag. Add life to their meals by decorating lunch bags! Simply buy paper lunch bags and use your creativity, crayons, markers, stickers, or any art materials you have on hand.  

• Make placemats for Meals on Wheels – sewn or colored. The colored placemats will be laminated so they can be reused. https://meals-on-wheels.com/
  
• Assemble “Dinner’s on Us” kits. https://b-inspiredmama.com/dinner-random-act-of-kindness/ to be distributed as determined by each Lions Club.