Soup!...The new entree. Don't Add Water....

[monmouth]

I walked to my local Publix very early this morning, the humidity, not the heat so much, was already high. Lovely time of day, and as I entered the lobby of my building I noticed a flurry of the ladies going into the back room by the kitchen and card room. Wow, what's going on? I followed the crowd back and there were tables just laden with many varieties of breads, cakes, pastries, etc. It was explained to me that yesterday was the "Sell By" date. After that date Publix very generously gives away their unsold bakery products.

I stated how wonderful and generous Publix is and all agreed. This was the shocker. Two of the ladies said "Oh yes, I had to stop buying bread and pastries quite a while ago. This is my treat for the week. Gawd, I hope my kids never hear about me standing in the "bread line", they'd have a fit." Another lady said she heard that soup was going on sale, hopefully Progressive. Makes a wonderful entree, fills you up, but be sure not to add water."

I realize everyone is suffering in this present-day economy. Gas prices are through the roof, homes are being foreclosed on daily, and jobs are being lost. Many were thanking God they didn't have the responsibility of a mortgage, children, tuition, insurance and maintenance of an automobile. One lady mentioned she had to cancel some of her medical insurance, it's either that or not eat!

My suggestion to those lucky enough to still have their parents but they don't live nearby: the next time there is a birthday or other celebratory event perhaps a gift card to the grocery store would be a welcomed gift. (No, I don't know if they have them but I'm going to check it out). We no longer want or need jewelry, perfume, etc. The men stated they still liked their cologne (I loved that, geez, guys will be guys no matter what age).

These seniors are very proud people, they had it "all" at one time in their lives. This is not something they cannot cope with, they were children during the depression and fought and sacrificed during WWII. No way, unless it's crisis, are they going to let their children know how dire things are. "The kids have their own problems."

Finally a note about Publix stores. After the hurricane, shelves were practically empty and only partial power was on. Employees with their own share of leaking and torn-off roofs, showed up for work, were still as helpful and courteous as ever and contributed immensely to the easing of the chaos of that aftermath.

This post was really just "food for thought."

[Oleladylib]

1. Thank YOU, refreshing, true..n/t

[Serial Mom]

2. Got me thinking...

I can't imagine being on a fixed income from 7 or more years ago trying to pay for food, heat, clothing and gas since Dubya's been around. I try to give once a week to our local food pantry - remembering this will help me do more than try - I will do it EVERY week.

[Debau2005]

4. Also check with your power company

I have an additional amount added to my monthly power bill that goes for low income/senior assistance.

[Serial Mom]

10. I know this is good, but I do have a problem with power companies

They continue to earn and pay huge amounts to their officers & stockholders and I feel that is a little greedy. Years ago when my grandparents owned stock in power companies (and I am a boomer), they were happy with 5-7% return on their money (which is still a nice return in today's market). But now most of them want 10-15% ROI and I feel that is greed. They should/could help more with the poor and elderly.

[monmouth]

5. Food pantry is key to feeding an awful lot of people. Thank you..n/t

[Debau2005]

3. I have found that the local Publix

does more for non-profits and other community groups then the other chains in my area of Atlanta.

I don't know if they have gift cards, but a Visa Check Card could be given and used for the same purpose.

[monmouth]

6. Ah, that is a good idea. Hope this gets K&R'd, good info. Thank you..n/t

[SoCalDem]

9. Every grocery store I know of DOES offer gift cards..

and stay away from those generic visa/MC gift cards...some of them charge a monthy "fee" ...

[The Backlash Cometh]

7. DU's Creative non-fiction.

Someday, someone should go through all the DU posts starting back in 2001, and look for posts just like yours and chronological put together a story that will explain this time in American history, better than one author could.

I would definitely nominate yours not just because it's succint, but because it reveals the kind of things that people don't readily admit, and how the grocery store responded.

Just don't tell the Republicans. They would probably figure a way to buy all that bread for a penny and sell it for a quarter each.

[monmouth]

8. Very kind words. Thank you..n/t

[tool_of_the_people]

11. Thanks for the food for thought this morning.

It's a damn shame that our elderly folks have to do without just to get the barest essentials. I'm glad that Publix is taking up the slack.

[snappyturtle]

12. I enjoyed your (sad) story so much I tried to K&R it a second time!

Enjoyed is not the correct word but I hope you know what I mean. Thanks for bringing this subject to our consciousness. We know it's happening but here is some proof.

[monmouth]

16. Thank you, it really did take me aback. I'm one of the younger ones

living here and had made retirement plans many years ago. Many of these people used to work over the bridge (Palm Beach). One lady was promised in the Will of her employer to have a lifetime of benefits. One of the children fought it and won. They were Republicans....

[snappyturtle]

20. I don't doubt that heinous act of a repuke. I have a few in my family

and have been devastated by them...my own family. I hope if the economy tanks they tank big time! Isn't that awful? But, I can't help it. They're such selfish people.

[dysfunctional press]

13. soup IS good food.

we always stock up on soup when it's on sale- btw it's "progesso", NOT "progressive" soup, and it's not condensed soup, so you're not supposed to add water.

wolfgang puck canned soups go on sale for $1/can fairly regularly, and healthy choice and progresso go on sale for $1.25/can even more often.

last night i used two cans of soup- one healthy choice zesty gumbo and one fiesta chicken, cut up the last of the leftover pork roast, and added it to the soup along with some leftover broccoli and peas. add a couple pieces of toast, and we had a nice little meal- i'm finishing it off for lunch today.

[monmouth]

17. Sorry, Progresso. Your meal sounds delish..n/t

[Lars39]

14. I would encourage any group that meets where there is kitchen facilities

to start having soup and bread offerings. You can make a lot of both pretty cheaply.
Also figure out a way to send leftovers home or to shut-ins. We've got to look out for each other. :grouphug:

[Contrary1]

15. I have several cans of Progresso soup in my pantry...

They are ready to serve, not supposed to be any added water. The lady you overheard was correct though. It
does make a great entree. Throw in a small salad and some crusty bread, if you can afford to, and it's a meal.

[crimsonblue]

18. The worst part about the wheat "shortage" in this country...

is the fact that there are tons of bushels of wheat simply rotting on the ground. In my childhood hometown of Hutchinson, KS, I saw during Christmas atleast 5 piles of wheat rising upwards of 70 feet tall. The wheat is just going to sit and rot, and the farmers that grew it may not get much return on their investment. We have screwed over our farmers, and forced them to raise crops for fuel, not food. In a world where upwards of a billion of people go hungry each day, it seems a bit ridiculous for the USA to be wasting food to power our cars.. Not to mention that ethanol production actually requires more energy input then it releases. We need to abandon our experiment with biodiesels, and start developing Clean Coal. I'd like to think that we have a lot of smart people in this country, so it can't be that hard to find a way to eliminate emissions from a coal plant. Considering we have the biggest coal deposits in the world, we should utilize this resource and stop our dependence on Arab oil.

[LeftyMom]

19. Welp, there's my earworm for the day.

Wanders off humming chorus to Soup is Good Food