These are the same steps our staff use when they help someone. "They" means the person who needs help: you, or someone you are helping. Go in order, and call ahead when you can.
1Before you start
You can ask"What do you cook with: a hot plate, crockpot, microwave or nothing? Do you have a fridge?"
No kitchen at all? See the guide "Has no kitchen or stove and needs to eat well anyway".
At the Gospel MissionThe Mission serves breakfast and lunch on weekdays and gives out food boxes.
2Hot plate: one-pot chili mac
Makes 3 servings. About 20 minutes.
- 1 1/2 cups macaroni, 2 1/2 cups water
- 1 can beans, drained, 1 can diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt
- Put everything in one pot. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer, stirring often, 10-12 minutes until the pasta is soft and most liquid is gone.
- Add cheese or canned meat if you have it.
3Crockpot: beans and chile
Makes 8 servings. 8 hours on low.
- 2 cups dry pinto beans, soaked overnight and drained
- 6 cups water, 1 onion, garlic, 2-3 spoons red chile powder, salt (add at the end)
- Put everything in the crockpot. Beans should be covered by 2 inches of water.
- Cook on low 8 hours or high 4-5 hours until soft.
Never cook dry red kidney beans in a crockpot without boiling them hard for 10 minutes first.
4Crockpot: green chile stew
Makes 6 servings. 6-8 hours on low.
- 1-2 cans chicken, beef or 1 pound pork pieces
- 3-4 potatoes cut up (or canned potatoes), 1 can corn, 1 onion
- 1 cup green chile, 4 cups water or broth, garlic, salt
- Put everything in the crockpot. Cook on low 6-8 hours (raw meat) or 3-4 hours with canned meat.
5Microwave: mug egg scramble
Makes 1 serving. About 3 minutes.
- 2 eggs, 2 spoons milk, cheese, chile, salt
- Beat everything in a big greased mug.
- Microwave 45 seconds, stir, then 30-45 seconds more until fully set.
6Microwave: baked potato meal
Poke a potato with a fork. Microwave 5-8 minutes, turning once, until soft. Split and top with beans, chili, cheese or canned vegetables.
More help like this
Hungry today and needs food for the monthUse when someone is hungry now and also needs enough food for the rest of the month.Has special diet needs (diabetes, allergies, no teeth)Use when someone needs food that fits a health need: diabetes, food allergies, kidney or heart problems, soft food for missing teeth, or special baby formula.Someone is asking for money at your doorUse when a stranger knocks at your home or business asking for money, gas, food or a ride, and you want to stay safe, spot scams, and point them to real help.All food pantries in Grant County: places, days, times and what to bringUse when someone wants a list of every food pantry and free food distribution in Grant County, with where and when they are, who qualifies and what to bring.Wants to stock up on beans, rice, masa, flour, sugar, salt and oilUse when someone wants to buy basic staples (beans, rice, masa, flour, sugar, salt, oil) in bulk to save money and have food that lasts for months.Wants more fresh fruit and vegetables with SNAP (Double Up Food Bucks)Use when someone gets SNAP and wants more fresh fruit and vegetables. Double Up Food Bucks gives free extra money for New Mexico-grown produce at farmers markets.
See all guides in Food and basics →
This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer
Know a better way? Is something out of date?
If a number or place here is wrong, you know a better resource, or you know a better way to help, tell us. We automatically check reliable sources and update supported routine details. Unclear changes and safety guidance go to our staff for review.
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Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City,
575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.