Pre-packaged Foods?

[DawnS]

Our local food shuttle is doing a "backpack buddy" program where they provide food for children on the free lunch program to take home over the weekend. They fill up backpacks with healthy foods that are pre-packaged, no refrigeration needed, no stove top use, etc. My family has been talking about donating regularly and today I was talking to one of the food shuttle reps. They have not yet had any requests for gluten-free (and/or other allergen-free) backpacks, but with the prevalance of these issues, I'm sure it's coming. Since it's something I have to deal with, I would like to donate these specialty items for a hungry child. (the rep said go ahead and donate it and they would start a new category in their storage area! How cool is that?) But I cook most stuff and I'm not a parent and don't know what pre-packaged stuff might be out there that kids would like. Any suggestions of what I could donate?

Thanks

[mommida]

'Cause your special has some (no refridgeration needed) microwave and add hot water Kosher and gluten free meals/entrees.

L.

[Izak's Mom]

Any suggestions of what I could donate?

Not sure what your budget is, since most pre-packaged gluten-free food is not as cheap as 'regular' food, and the 'regular' food that is gluten-free isn't always so healthy (like potato chips)...but off the top of my head, here's what I give to my son that he loves:

- Open Original Shared Link Pirate's Booty and Veggie Booty (they actually have other wheat-free and gluten-free snacks that you can purchase in bulk to donate)

- Envirokids Open Original Shared Link and animal crackers (vanilla flavor)

- Little applesauce snack packs (we buy organic cinnamon flavored ones)

- Open Original Shared Link gluten-free cookies (we like the gingersnaps)

Other things you could provide:

- Canned veggies: Green beans in particular aren't completely offensive right out of the can. I imagine canned sweet potato might not be so bad out of the can either.

- Canned or pouch tuna, with mayo/relish packets to mix. Unfortunately, the Star-Kist Tuna Lunch package includes crackers, which would be a no-no.

- Fresh fruit! Apples, bananas, grapes, oranges, etc. Or dried - raisins, apricots, banana chips, etc.

[wonkabar]

Gluten-free "stuff" is on the pricey side, but here are a few more suggestions....

Robert's American Gourmet--Tings

Environkidz cereal--Gorilla Munch (these are peanut-free as well!)

Terra brand--root vege chips (they have a natural sweetness)

Tostito's--my kids like the "circle chips"

MiDel brand cookies--chocolate chip and animal crackers

Ener-G Pretzles

Apple & Eve juices--the Sesame Street character-boxes are cute

Del Monte brand--peach cups

[DawnS]

Thanks all. That gives me a good place to start :-)

[happygirl]

Progresso Creamy Mushroom soup is gluten free and a good "canned" food.

[RiceGuy]

Dried fruit like apple slices, pineapple slices, apricots, raisins, papaya, figs, dates, prunes, etc are always great. Sorta like trail mix, and of course you could throw in some gluten-free cereal, roasted corn, peanuts, roasted nuts/seeds of various types. Won't spoil like fresh fruit at room temp, and not so juicy as to require napkins either