Midwest Food Bank has dedicated the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving as #GivingTuesday, an opportunity to present nutritious meals to those in need. Unfortunately, one of eight families do not know where their next meal is coming from. Midwest Food Bank is aim to collect enough contributions to distribute 200,000 Tender Mercies meals for families who need support. The contributions, along with help from volunteers, allow millions of meals to be produced and distributed internationally each year.
Tender Mercies is a nutritious meal with just four ingredients: rice, beans, vegetable protein, and chicken flavored seasoning that is fortified with vitamins and minerals. It only costs twenty cents to make one meal of Tender Mercies, or $100 to provide FIVE HUNDRED meals! The meal comes in a packet which provides enough to feed about four people. Thanks to sponsorships, Midwest Food Bank is able to purchase high-quality ingredients to ensure the greatest nutritional value. When it comes to nutrition, the meal packs in thirteen grams of protein, six grams of fiber, and only one gram of fat per serving. Tender Mercies is an essential component to Midwest Food Bank's international efforts, distributing meals to locations in Africa and Haiti.
The pre-packaged Tender Mercies is not only a great meal option on its own, but it can also be paired with other foods. St. John's Breadline in Springfield includes Tender Mercies in their soups, meatloaves, and chilis. The ease of preparation is also a bonus, preparing a meal is as easy as boiling water. In 2018, Midwest Food Bank distributed six and a half million Tender Mercies meals to those in need, and that number was built even higher the next year.
The goal for #GivingTuesday is set at 200,000 meals, which will cost $40,000 to prepare. Help Midwest Food Bank alleviate hunger and malnutrition this December by donating at https://www.midwestfoodbank.org/donate/givingtuesday. Midwest Food Bank not only provides the Tender Mercies programs, but also assists in disaster relief and Hope Pack programs which give children meals to take home. If you are interested on how to get involved, we encourage you to visit https://www.midwestfoodbank.org/ today!