Food Resources and Budgeting

As the holidays draw near, I am reminded that this is a tough time for many in our community. Financial and food security is a constant concern as energy bills rise and pantries go bare. Raised by a single mother who had five children to feed, I was always surprised and impressed by how she made it work. We had different ways to make a dollar stretch, and sometimes dinner was just a "mystery box" challenge where we would find random stuff in the cupboards and see what creative concoctions my mother would come up with. While writing this post, I wanted to incorporate examples of easy budget family meals, books that highlighted meal prep and getting the most out of what you already have, and showcase some of our community resources and food pantries.

Meal prep and budgeting books:

Fifty Frugal Recipes: When Cooking on a Budget

Good and Cheap: Eat Well on $4/Day

Whole Food for Your Family: 100+ simple, budget-friendly meals

Ten Dollar Dinners

Favorite low-cost meals:

Food pantries in the Caldwell area:

This can be a difficult time of year, so here at the library we've put together some Thanksgiving dinner in a bag kits. Inside you'll find all the fixings a classic holiday meal for two, just ask anyone at the front desk for a bag. Our front entrance also houses a free community pantry year-round, stocked from generous community members. It's our sincere hope that these resources and ideas can ease some of those worries and frustrations faced by our community. From all of us here at the Caldwell Public Library, we wish you a happy Thanksgiving.