Even small contributions can make a real difference—and one simple idea can help make those contributions go further: the Meal-in-a-Bag.
Turning Donations Into Ready-to-Make Meals
A Meal-in-a-Bag takes a handful of affordable pantry staples and pairs them with a recipe card so recipients can turn those ingredients into a complete, nourishing meal.
This isn’t a new idea—many community groups, volunteers, and creators around the country have been assembling meal-in-a-bags for years as a creative, hands-on way to help families eat well. We’re building on that inspiration and sharing a version that aligns with our mission to promote healthy, affordable, plant-based eating.
Each bag includes a printed card for our Yes You Can Black Bean Chili, a hearty, flavorful recipe built around shelf-stable ingredients that are inexpensive, accessible, and easy to find.
What to Include
If you’d like to assemble a bag, here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 can black beans (no-salt-added if possible)
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can corn
- 1 packet chili seasoning (or small spice containers of chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder)
- 1 bag or box of instant brown rice
- 1 printed recipe card (download above)
You can place the items in a large ziplock, reusable, or recyclable bag. Be sure to check with your local food bank or pantry first to confirm what types of items they accept.
If You’d Like to Donate Individual Items Instead
If you’d rather contribute individual items instead of a meal-in-a-bag, we’ve also created a Plant-Based Donation List featuring affordable, in-demand foods that help families prepare healthy meals. That list was developed with guidance from Food for Life instructor Jill Erickson, co-founder of Flourish Food Market—a vegan food pantry in Minneapolis—and highlights the kinds of items that were most popular among pantry shoppers.