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Recipes from a food box or pantry bag

Use when someone has a food box, pantry bag or Senior Pantry box and is not sure what meals to make from it.

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. Box chili mac
  3. Tuna or chicken rice skillet
  4. Peanut butter oatmeal
  5. Fruit cobbler in a pan

1Before you start

You can ask"What is in your box? Do you have a stove, a microwave, or only a hot plate?"
Most boxes have some of these: canned vegetables and fruit, canned beans, pasta or rice, canned meat, peanut butter, cereal or oats, and sometimes milk or cheese.
At the Gospel MissionThe Mission gives out food boxes and has a food pantry and a Senior Pantry. If they need more food, see the guide "Hungry today and needs food for the month".

2Box chili mac

Makes 4 servings. About 25 minutes.
  • 2 cups dry macaroni
  • 1 can chili with beans, or 1 can beans plus 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 can corn, drained
  • Cheese if you have it
  1. Boil the macaroni in salted water until soft, about 8-10 minutes. Drain.
  2. Stir in the chili (or beans and tomatoes) and corn. Heat until it bubbles.
  3. Top with cheese.

3Tuna or chicken rice skillet

Makes 3-4 servings. About 30 minutes.
  • 1 cup rice
  • 1 can tuna, chicken or salmon, drained
  • 1 can mixed vegetables or peas, drained
  • Salt, pepper, garlic or onion if you have them
  1. Cook the rice: 1 cup rice in 2 cups water. Boil, cover, turn heat low for 20 minutes.
  2. Stir in the fish or chicken and vegetables. Heat through.
  3. Season to taste.

4Peanut butter oatmeal

Makes 2 servings. About 10 minutes.
  • 1 cup quick oats
  • 2 cups water or milk
  • 2 spoons peanut butter
  • Raisins or canned fruit
  1. Boil the water or milk. Stir in the oats.
  2. Cook 1-2 minutes, stirring. Stir in peanut butter.
  3. Top with fruit.

5Fruit cobbler in a pan

Makes 4 servings. About 30 minutes.
  • 1 can peaches, pears or mixed fruit with juice
  • 1/2 cup flour or biscuit mix, 2 spoons sugar, 2 spoons oil, a little water
  1. Put the fruit and juice in a small pot or pan. Heat until it bubbles.
  2. Mix flour, sugar, oil and enough water to make a thick batter. Drop spoonfuls on the fruit.
  3. Cover and cook on low about 15 minutes until the dough is cooked through.

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.