From: PSU Smallwood Food Pantry Date: March 6 Subject: Your Favorite Source for Free Food.
PSU Smallwood Food Pantry newsletter
MARCH 6TH
Happy March, PSU!
Welcoming longer days, the first snacks of spring (hello dandelion greens) and mornings that smell like springtime rain. March is the time for rebirth. You see it all around campus! Daffodils sprouting near trees, starters popping up in the Student Sustainability Center and here at the pantry, we are going through a sort of rebirth of our own.
You may have heard musings of the alignment between the pantry, Basic Needs Hub and the Resources Center for Students with Children (RCSWC). Over the course of the last couple of months, we have held two open forums so we could gather feedback on what students are wanting to see from their resource centers, what kind of obstacles they may foresee and to help us identify any gaps in services being supplied. What was born from these forums is the Basic Needs and Student Support Alignment.
To better support the students at PSU, the Basic Needs Hub, RCSWC and the PSU Smallwood Food Pantry are proposing to align our services. This is our way of naming the strategic, operational process of organizing resources, staff and workflows to more consistently meet the standard of care students need and deserve. This alignment will not eliminate any services or jobs. In fact, we believe that by working closer together, we will be able to better provide services to PSU Students by sharing resources and making it easier for students to navigate what resources are available to them. The ultimate goal is to make these services easier to navigate for students, and by working together we will be able to easily direct students to the resources that best assist them, as well as having the support of the other departments.
This movement is still fresh and if you have ideas on what you would like to see from this alignment or any questions, please reach out topantry@pdx.edu
The pantry will remain your go to place for free groceries and then some! Keep an eye out for more community oriented events coming from your favorite source for free food.
Parsnips
Unfortunately, this root veg doesn't seem to get the love it deserves. Often overlooked in the shadow of the potato, the parsnip is waiting to be rediscovered. Its flavor is rich and nuanced with butterscotch, pepper and nutmeg flavors hiding within it's rough exterior.
Embracing the parsnip is as simple as making a few swaps. Try a creamy parsnip mash as a more flavorful alternative to potatoes, or use them grated in place of carrots to bring a richness to cakes and muffins. For a side dish, roasting them with honey or spices like cumin and coriander brings out their natural sugars and creates delicious caramelization. With their peak flavor arriving in the winter months, now is truly the perfect time to give this vegetable the chance it deserves.
3 Ingredient Roasted Parsnips:This page takes a deep dive into parsnips including what they are, how to choose the best ones, storage/ reheating, and a video tutorial in addition to the recipe.
Love Food Hate Waste
This platform is the ultimate resource for food waste reduction, helping you unlock more value from the groceries you already have. Master meal planning to save money and find creative recipes that use every scrap. It’s designed to simplify your shopping and storage habits, making it easier than ever to keep food on your plate and out of the garbage!
My Fridge Food
Stop wondering what’s for dinner and let this tool do the heavy lifting! By simply checking off the ingredients you have in your kitchen, you can instantly generate a list of recipes tailored to your current stock (no extra shopping trips required). Whether you're working with a full pantry or just the last few items in your fridge, it helps you maximize your resources and discover new meal ideas for free.
Portland Dining Month
I know, I know! It's not FREE food, but it is a great deal! During Portland Dining Month (running all through March), hundreds of restaurants provide 3-course meals for $35 or $55. While we typically focus on free resources, this is a fantastic opportunity for a discounted local experience. If you’ve been looking for a way to save on that place you've been eyeing, this is a great way to treat yourself in a mindful way. You can check out the full list of participants on the Portland Dining Month website.
Radishes
Embracing the radish is all about celebrating its texture. While they are stunning sliced thin over a salad, they truly shine when given a little tough love to help them soak up seasonings. For a quick snack, try them raw with a bit of butter and flaky salt, or toss them into a stir-fry to mellow their heat. With their bright colors and sharp flavor, now is the perfect time to let the radish take center stage on your plate.
Xander’s Smashed Radishes:
Our staff member swears by this ultra-easy method: Cut your radishes in half, then smash them with a pan until flat. Dress simply with EVOO (olive oil), salt, and pepper. Optionally, toss in some green onions or sesame seeds. They’re delicious immediately and stay crunchy in the fridge for 2–3 days!
Radish Slaw: Find the purple cabbage and radishes at the pantry!
That's right, Pantry Week is coming back! Mark your calendars April 13th - 17th for a week long celebration of sustainability, food, and our amazing community. We are currently behind the scenes cooking up our biggest schedule of events yet!
We have some surprises in store that you won't want to miss. We aren't ready to reveal the full lineup just yet, but trust us, you’ll want to be here. Stay tuned for more information!
Basic Needs and Student Services Alignment
To better support the students at PSU, the Basic Needs Hub, Resource Center for Students with Children and the PSU Smallwood Food Pantry are proposing to align our services. This is our way of naming the strategic, operational process of organizing resources, staff and workflows to more consistently meet the standard of care students need and deserve. This alignment will not eliminate any services or jobs. In fact, we believe that by working closer together, we will be able to better provide services to PSU Students by sharing resources and making it easier for students to navigate what resources are available to them. The ultimate goal is to make these services easier to navigate for students, and by working together, we will be able to easily direct students to the resources that would best assist them, as well as having the support of the other departments.
If you have questions about this alignment, please reach out to pantry@pdx.edu
