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Recipes for canned chicken, tuna, peanut butter and other commodity foods

Use when someone got commodity foods (Senior Pantry/CSFP or TEFAP items like canned meat, peanut butter, dry milk, cheese loaf, grits) and wants easy recipes.

In danger right now: call 911. Crisis or thoughts of suicide: call or text 988. Not sure where to start? Call the Silver City Gospel Mission: 575-388-5071. Police, fire or sheriff, not an emergency: 575-388-8840 (Central Dispatch). Print our list of phone numbers → · Food pantry calendar → · Free meals calendar → · Getting there: bus and rides →
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.
In this guide
  1. Before you start
  2. Chicken or salmon patties
  3. Green chile chicken and rice
  4. Cheesy grits
  5. Peanut butter noodles
  6. Beef stew over biscuits or potatoes

1Before you start

Senior Pantry (CSFP) and TEFAP boxes often have: canned chicken, beef, salmon or tuna; beef stew or chili; peanut butter; shelf-stable or powdered milk; a cheese loaf; oats, grits or farina; pasta and rice; canned fruit, vegetables and juice; dry beans or lentils.
At the Gospel MissionThe Mission runs the Senior Pantry and gives out food boxes. Ask at the front desk who qualifies.

2Chicken or salmon patties

Makes 4 patties. About 20 minutes.
  • 1 can chicken or salmon, drained
  • 1 egg, or 2 spoons flour mixed with 2 spoons water
  • 1/2 cup crushed crackers, cereal, oats or potato flakes
  • Onion, garlic or chile if you have them
  1. Mix everything in a bowl. Shape into 4 flat patties.
  2. Fry in a little oil on medium, 3-4 minutes a side, until golden and hot.

3Green chile chicken and rice

Makes 4 servings. About 30 minutes.
  • 1 cup rice
  • 1 can chicken with its liquid
  • 1 can mixed vegetables or corn
  • Green chile, cumin, garlic
  1. Put the rice, 2 cups water and the chicken liquid in a pot. Boil, cover, cook on low 20 minutes.
  2. Stir in the chicken, vegetables and chile. Heat through.

4Cheesy grits

Makes 4 servings. About 15 minutes.
  • 1 cup grits
  • 4 cups water or milk
  • 2-3 slices cheese loaf, salt
  1. Boil the water with a pinch of salt. Slowly stir in the grits.
  2. Cook on low 5-10 minutes, stirring so they don't stick.
  3. Stir in the cheese. Top with a fried egg or red chile if you have them.

5Peanut butter noodles

Makes 3 servings. About 15 minutes.
  • 1/2 pound spaghetti
  • 1/4 cup peanut butter
  • 2 spoons soy sauce or a pinch of salt, a little sugar, red chile flakes
  • 1 can mixed vegetables or green beans, drained
  1. Cook the spaghetti. Save 1/2 cup of the hot water, then drain.
  2. Stir the peanut butter, soy sauce, sugar and hot water together into a sauce.
  3. Toss with the noodles and vegetables.

6Beef stew over biscuits or potatoes

Makes 3 servings. About 15 minutes.
  • 1 can beef stew
  • Potato flakes, rice or biscuits
  1. Heat the stew. Make potato flakes as the box says (milk from powder works).
  2. Spoon the stew over the potatoes. Add a can of peas or carrots to stretch it.

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

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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.