Light the World

FEEDtheHUNGRY

Since a new star first appeared above Bethlehem, Christmas has been a season of light, reminding us that Jesus Christ is the light of the world. Together, we can celebrate His birth by making the world a brighter place. All we have to do is follow Him—His life, His example, and His teachings. In doing so, we can help #LIGHTtheWORLD.

The Light the World initiative was developed by the LDS Church but we love the idea of filling the world with good so for those who want to get involved we’ve developed a “how to” for preparing weekend food bags for hungry kids that can be used for Day 7 of Light the World. 

Here is a brief summary of the program from the church.

“Every day leading up to Christmas is a chance to look at the things Jesus Christ did and resolve to do the same. To help, we’ll be providing daily inspiration, suggestions, and encouragement on how we can follow the example of Jesus Christ and #LIGHTtheWORLD.”

Jesus fed the Hungry and So Can You

When a multitude of thousands gathered to hear Jesus speak, He miraculously turned five loaves and two fishes into a meal for all, leaving none hungry. Today, it is our opportunity to help feed others. You help make the Christmas season a feast for everyone.

By following the below instructions, each of the bags you prepare will feed 1 child for a typical 2 day weekend.

Steps:

  1. Decide how many bags you plan to pack as a family or group and gather the following supplies for each bag:
    • 1 plastic grocery bag.
    • 2 breakfast food items.
      Here are some of the easiest examples of breakfast food items: instant oatmeal packets, pop tarts, individual serving cereal boxes, granola bars, cereal bars, etc.
    • 2 lunch food items.
      We try to pack them at least one “protein” item per weekend. If the item is a canned meat/soup we ask that you try to get the “poptop” option because many of these children don’t have a way to open these cans on their own unless they are poptop. Some examples of lunch items: canned tuna, canned chicken, Vienna sausages, peanut butter crackers, fruit cups, cans of soup, individual precooked meals, etc.
    • 2 snack items.
      We try to include at least 1 fruit item per bag. Here are some examples of snack foods: fruit cups, applesauce pouches, granola bars, individually wrapped cracker packets, chips, fruit bars, etc.
    • 2 dinner items.
      Some examples of dinner items are: Easy mac bowls, chef boyardee individual meal poptop cans or bowls, cup of noodles, ramen noodles, cans of soup, etc.
    • Example:
  2. Assembly Line.We generally line up all the items on one counter top and make an assembly line. We (kids included) will grab a grocery bag and go down the line grabbing each item, placing it in the bag, then double knotting the bag at the end.
    Each bag has a combination of 8 items for a regular 2 day weekend.
  3. Deliver the Bags to Tan’s Treats!
    We typically deliver bags to local schools for distribution to the kids early in the morning every Friday. Delivering your bags to Tan’s Treats on or before Thursday will help to get your bags delivered the week they are prepared.

The following items are picture examples of the “types” of food that are best to pack. BUT… Truly any easy open, individually packaged, non-perishable, easy to prepare item will work. A lot of these kids are preparing these meals on their own so we want them to be able to quickly and easily prepare it by themselves, if necessary.

Individual Portion Oatmeal Packets

Canned Vienna Sausage

Individual Portion, Apple Sauce Cups

Granola Bars

Macaroni and Cheese (Preferably, Easy Mac)

Individual Pop Top Ravioli

Individually Packaged Fruit Cups

Pop tarts

Ramen Noodles

“And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.”

Matthew 14:19

Remember to share your experience using the hashtag #LIGHTtheWORLD.

Hungry Hustle Ugly Sweater 5k Fun Run and Food Drive

Hungry Hustle? Ugly Sweater? Food Drive?

Every year, hunger affects 48 million Americans including more than 15 million children. Childhood hunger is a serious issue that Tan’s Treats believes can be solved. We are doing everything we can to fight hunger but we can’t do it alone. To read more about childhod hunger facts click here.

In this holiday spirited 5k Fun Run we are going to “Hustle” in an effort to keep children from being “Hungry”. And we’re going to do it sporting our Ugliest Sweaters, because that’s what you do in December, right?

Food Drive: For those that don’t want to run, don’t have the time to enjoy the fun run with us or just want to donate to help feed hungry kids, Confluence Park will also be a food drive drop off location from 8:00am to 4:00pm the day of the 5k event (Click here for a list of suggested foods to donate).

Event Details: The festivities begin at 9:30am, with the 5k starting at 10:30am.

Each of the 5 kilometers will be marked with some fun activities including tinsel, Christmas trees, snowballs, candy canes, a selfie with Santa (the real one!) and much more!

So find your ugliest sweater, put your running shoes on and be prepared for a fun run filled with Christmas joy (and a whole lot of happy, non-hungry kids)!

Following the 5k there will be hot chocolate and food trucks to replenish your energy! 100% of the proceeds from this event will be used to provide food to children in need of food.

Registration Includes:

 

    • Each Individual applicant will receive a goodie bag, t-shirt, and a selfie with Good Ol’ St Nick.

 

    • Each Family will receive a goodie bag, 3 t-shirts, and a selfie with Good Ol’ St Nick! You can order as many additional family t-shirts for $10 each.

More Information about Tan’s Treats

Tan’s Treats is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the needs of the children in our community. Each year thousands of children in the United States get out of school for the weekend and return home to a less than adequate supply of food. Their needs during the week are being met with school breakfast and lunch but they are left to go hungry over the weekend. As an organization we coordinate food efforts together with their schools to get them guaranteed weekend meals. Science has proven children who are hungry have a much harder time performing well in school and we believe every student deserves a fair chance at succeeding and that no child should go hungry.

To learn more about what we do click here.