We had a VERY casual HFPE this time.  We usually start in the RS room, but we didn’t even do that – we set up 2 long tables in the multi-purpose (nursery) room and did everything from there.  We sat around the tables, passing handouts, etc.  We didn’t have a home management lesson because we incorporated that into our program.  After song and prayer, our first speaker spoke on protecting your credit from identity fraud.  It was REALLY informative, lots of good information.

Our next speaker spoke briefly about the 52-week food storage

calendar.  This is very manageable and breaks down food storage for people who are at a loss where to start.  Also I made a funny food storage magnet as a handout, which I will include the clip art for in Part 2.  I just cold-laminated them and stuck some magnetic stripping on the back.

Our next speaker spoke about winter preparedness and emergency car kits (including some handouts with this e-mail).  Our next speaker spoke about couponing, shopping the sales and various coupon policies of our local groceries along with some frugal living websites.  Lots of women didn’t realize that Cub Foods for example accepts expired coupons.  It’s worth calling your local grocers to find out and let your sisters know.

Our Home Management teacher spoke on cooking economical meals and planning for leftovers – how to make food attractive and appetizing without spending a lot of money.

Our last speaker was our RS President and she spoke about the  “Fare for All” program, which I’ve included the URL below.  Some areas use “Share” which is basically the same thing (that’s what we had in California).  Fare for All is a food Co-op where you pay $15 for $25-$35 worth of food.  You have to do 2 hours of community service a month (what sister in the church can’t accomplish that!!!) which includes church service.  You pay your food one month in advance, on distribution day, and pick up your order on the following month’s distribution day.  You can check out these web sites for details on what kinds of foods, but I’ve done Share before, and it was good, basic, healthy food.  You can also buy more than one order, and sometimes they have special orders, like "double the meat".

Fare for All -- http://www.unitedwaygfegf.com/Newsletter-FARE.htm

Stretch your grocery dollar by participating in FARE FOR ALL Food for you

Each month you choose to participate, you . . .

Give: $15 (plus a nominal handling charge, usually $1.00 or less) and 2 hours volunteer work of your choice in your community (something you are probably doing already)

Get: $24 to $35 worth in grocery items (depending on where you live and shop)

A typical month's package may include: 4 to 7 fresh vegetable items, 4 to 5 frozen meats, 3 to 4 fresh fruit items and 2 to 3 frozen packaged items.

HOW CAN I PARTICIPATE:

   1. 1. Call 1-800-582-4291 to find out the Host Site nearest you.

   2. 2. Call the Host Site to find out when to sign up for the next month. Host Sites are usually nonprofit community groups such as churches, unions, VFW's, etc.

   3. 3. Sign up and pay for the next month's food pack(s) and pick up your volunteer voucher. You may pay in cash, food stamps or EBS vouchers, just as you would at your local supermarket.

   4. 4. Do two hours of volunteer work of your choice in your community. Many people volunteer through organizations such as Scouts, Little Leagues, churches, schools or other community groups. Some people volunteer by helping individuals in their neighborhood shoveling snow, cutting the grass, house cleaning or driving them to appointments.

   5. 5. Come back on distribution day and pick up your food packs. Because some of the food is frozen, it is important to pick up food at the specified times.

FARE FOR ALL is open to everyone. It's not a government program it's an opportunity for people to save money on food AND build stronger neighborhoods through volunteering.

Share -- http://www.heartlandshare.com/participate.html

You might try calling your local United Way for information of a similar program in your area.

We closed out the evening with prayer and Lemon Bisque!!