From: PSU Smallwood Food Pantry
Date: May 8
Subject: Subject: You're invited, because you deserve to party.


 
PSU Smallwood Food Pantry newsletter MAY 8TH
 
PSU Food Pantry Logo with text: Pantry Press

Campus is bustling, flowers are blooming and the growing season is upon us! Spring is a good time to be in the pantry and we definitely try to take advantage of all of the beautiful local produce being grown around us. Over the course of the next few months, we will see a ton of delicious, fresh produce coming to our shelves. We are already starting to see donations of local lettuces, thanks to the Plant Science Club and the Learning Gardens Lab. Check the pantry frequently to get this produce before it vanishes! I am hopeful that in the next few weeks, all different types of produce will start cropping up for PSU students to enjoy. 

The pantry is growing as well! Keep an eye out for some big changes that will advance the way we pick up food around the city! We are always looking for new, relevant ways to keep advancing the pantry in our efforts to eliminate food insecurity in college students, and we can’t wait to fill you in on our newest addition to the team! Keep reading below to find out about the caravan we will be leading through the park blocks. 

Friendly reminder to come visit the pantry as often as you want! There are no limits on how much you can come or how much you can take! Please note the pantry will be closed on May 22 in observance of Memorial Day. We hope to see you shopping soon! 

Seasonal Items: header
roasted parsnip fried in a sheet pan with rosemary sprinkled on top. the parsnips are roasted to perfection.

Parnsips: Round Two!

Clearly, the last batch of recipes we shared didn't quite do the trick, but I’m not giving up on them yet! I’m determined to make you parsnip fans. This time we're keeping it simple with Parsnip Fries:

Peel and cut them into sticks, toss with oil and salt, and roast at 375°F for 15–20 minutes (toss them halfway through!)
  • They should come out sweet and crispy on the edges. Eat them as a snack or a side and dip them in whatever sauce you have. Hot sauce, ranch (we have single serve cups in the pantry), anything works.
  • To zhuzh them up, squeeze half an orange (found in the pantry) over the fries during the last 5 minutes of roasting. It adds a bright, citrusy kick with almost zero extra effort!
Beyond the Bag: header
Farmers market stand with luscious garlic, cauliflower, radishes, beets and more.

Summer EBT Starts in June!
Summer EBT starts soon, so apply now! This program helps families buy food for school aged children when school is out. According to their website, "The Summer EBT program does not ask for immigration status and does not use immigration status to determine eligibility."

Double Up Food Bucks
SNAP cardholders get a dollar-for-dollar match up to $20 every time they shop, redeemable for fresh fruits and vegetables at any participating market in Oregon. In the spring the market is also bursting with plant starts that shoppers can bring home to grow produce in their own gardens!

Spotlight: header
cooked beans in a bowl, close up.

Dried Beans

Dried beans can feel like a bit of a commitment upfront but they're super easy once you know the method. The key is treating them as a cook once and eat all week ingredient. Meal prep, anyone?
To prepare: Soak in water overnight (the most hands off method). The next day, add them to a pot with broth or water and heat until soft. Onions, spices, and chopped veggies are all easy additions. 

Recipes:
Ariana’s Black Beans and Rice
Frijoles de la Olla: Beans in the pot

Updates: Header

You deserve to party. That’s why on May 27th, we’re making some serious noise.
We’re throwing a parade featuring the Circus Club, the dance team, Victor the Viking, and more. But this isn't just for show. At the center of the music and madness we are unveiling something brand new, a total game changer for how the pantry operates.
You’ve never seen the Food Pantry like this before, you'll just need to be there to see it for yourself.

  • 12:00 PM: Parade steps off & the Big Reveal! 
  • Finish Line: Free groceries and fun!
  • Until 2:00 PM: Food distribution 

Bring your friends, bring your energy, and see what we’ve been planning.

Events

Wednesday, May 27
Start End   Event         Location Group
12:00pm 2:00pm PSU Smallwood Food Pantry Secret Reveal... Parade! Park Blocks PSU Smallwood Food Pantry

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PSU Smallwood Food Pantry. Cover image

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