DD needs help for presents for adopted holiday family

[soocool]

Each year DD's Spanish club adopts a needy family for Christmas and for the past 3 years it has always been a family of hispanic descent . This year however, the YWCA had more families of other cultures in need so her group (3 kids including DD) has an Indian family of 2 (husband and wife). This is all the info her group was given. She and I are going shopping to get a gift for a man and a woman and we have no problems with this. However, her group also needs to put together a food basket of unperishable food items and this is where her group is stumped as to what to get. What kind of non-perishable food items would be appropriate for a family of 2 of Indian descent? Canned tuna? Pasta? Cereal - what kinds? What kinds of food are a no-no? We are somewhat stumped.

 

[Tuckins1]

I really don't know what kind of foods would be appropriate... I would guess staples like pasta/rice/canned veggies, etc... We also adopted a family this year and got them useful things for the house (pots/pans/dishes/toiletries/ towels/etc...) We also got beds for the two little boys since they were sleeping on the floor. We got them a few things like pajama bottoms, t-shirts, socks, etc..., but we also got a gift card for Walmart. Have you considered gift cards for stores that sell a wide variety of things? (Walmart, Meijer, Target, etc...)

 

[soocool]

I really don't know what kind of foods would be appropriate... I would guess staples like pasta/rice/canned veggies, etc... We also adopted a family this year and got them useful things for the house (pots/pans/dishes/toiletries/ towels/etc...) We also got beds for the two little boys since they were sleeping on the floor. We got them a few things like pajama bottoms, t-shirts, socks, etc..., but we also got a gift card for Walmart. Have you considered gift cards for stores that sell a wide variety of things? (Walmart, Meijer, Target, etc...)

The kids have no info at all about the family, needs, etc. and so don't know if they live near a Walmart or even what grocery store is nearby. The only thing they were told was to buy a personal gift for each member in addition to the non-perishable food items. Wasn't sure what kind of food items would be consumed by an Indian husband and wife and did not want to buy them something they would not consume.

 

[Italiahaircolor]

I would go with the idea that anything would be appreciated...if they are reaching out for help, it's because they need it.

I would get simple, very universal foods that can be used in multiple recipes. Pasta, rice, canned vegetables (peas, carrots, corn) would all be good. You may also want to go into an Indian grocery store (google can help you find a local one) and ask for some suggestions of nonperishables.

 

[meresal]

Ditto Italia. If they are needy enough to be on this list, then I have a feeling they aren't used to eating large Indian feasts.

I think you should get basic things that can easily be mixed in different ways, and things that can be used a long time. I'm not sure if these are perishable, I don't think they are, but the mashed potato flakes last forever in my college apartment.

ETA: Maybe you could add some Indian spices to the basket?

 

[soocool]

I would go with the idea that anything would be appreciated...if they are reaching out for help, it's because they need it.

I would get simple, very universal foods that can be used in multiple recipes. Pasta, rice, canned vegetables (peas, carrots, corn) would all be good. You may also want to go into an Indian grocery store (google can help you find a local one) and ask for some suggestions of nonperishables.

Italia, this was very helpful. There isn't an Indian grocery store nearby, but I checked the foodstuffs for an online grocer. I think we may get dried beans/lentils that they could use in a variety of recipes in adddition to the rice and pasta. This will be easy to store.

 

[soocool]

Ditto Italia. If they are needy enough to be on this list, then I have a feeling they aren't used to eating large Indian feasts.

I think you should get basic things that can easily be mixed in different ways, and things that can be used a long time. I'm not sure if these are perishable, I don't think they are, but the mashed potato flakes last forever in my college apartment.

ETA: Maybe you could add some Indian spices to the basket?

I added mashed potato flakes to the list. Thanks! I am not sure how easy it would be to get Indian spices other that tumeric.

 

[meresal]

Ditto Italia. If they are needy enough to be on this list, then I have a feeling they aren't used to eating large Indian feasts.

I think you should get basic things that can easily be mixed in different ways, and things that can be used a long time. I'm not sure if these are perishable, I don't think they are, but the mashed potato flakes last forever in my college apartment.

ETA: Maybe you could add some Indian spices to the basket?

I added mashed potato flakes to the list. Thanks! I am not sure how easy it would be to get Indian spices other that tumeric.

I would imagine that most grocery stores carry the basics. If you can only find one, then I think that is fine since it isn't really a necessity, but more of a comfort item. Ya know?

 

[meresal]

I was also thinking... I'm not sure where you are, but I know that either CVS or Walgreens has a bin of spices that you can get for real cheap. Maybe you could add some other more American floavors as well as the one Indian one? Heck, even just pepper and salt would be helpful.

 

[swimmer]

You are doing a great thing! What about cans of chick peas/garbanzo beans or dried beans, lentils, canned greenbeans, even okra? The staple foodstuffs might be the best and easiest for you to gather. If there is any Indian community at all nearby they probably know the way to get the freshest spices, but its the stuff that needs the spices that get costly. For a personal gift, perhaps something from Bed Bath & Beyond (or a place like it that has a great return policy) so you know that it can be returned if it isn't quite right?

 

[wyndham]

Hi socool,
I want to ditto everyone else and say that this is such a nice thing you and your daughter are doing!

My in-laws are South Indian and many people from South India are vegetarians (not as much so in North India but it really just depends on the individual person / family), so I would think it probably safest to avoid any kinds of meat, fish, poultry, etc. since you don't have any particulars about this couple. Here are some of the things my in-laws eat and drink most often:

1. Basmati rice (can be purchased in large bags at Sam's Club or Costco...this is a staple for a lot of Indian recipes, so this could be the 'main' part of your gift. If you're feeling especially generous, you could also include a small rice cooker (available @ Wal-Mart or Target)
2. Like previous posters mentioned, lots of canned vegetables (corn, carrots, green beans, chickpeas, tomatoes, etc.)
3. Any kind of nuts (peanuts, cashews, almonds, etc.)
4. Canned fruit (in lieu of fresh fruit)...peaches, pears, oranges, mangoes (if possible), etc.
5. Any types of lentils or beans
6. Tea
7. Pasta with any kind of red sauce (just be sure the sauce doesn't have meat in it)
8. Cereal (plain Cheerios, Chex, Kix, Rice Krispies, etc.)

If you're looking for spices, some that you should be able to find in a regular grocery store include cinnamon, cloves, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, cumin powder, etc.

I hope this is helpful...good luck with your shopping and happy holidays!

 

[movie zombie]

note: some Indian people...don't remember which group....do not eat anything that came from below the ground which would include potatoes.

worked with such a guy...i think he belonged to a krishna group.

MoZo

ps are gift certificates acceptable? is there an Indian association or group with whom you could confer?

 

[soocool]

Hi socool,
I want to ditto everyone else and say that this is such a nice thing you and your daughter are doing!

My in-laws are South Indian and many people from South India are vegetarians (not as much so in North India but it really just depends on the individual person / family), so I would think it probably safest to avoid any kinds of meat, fish, poultry, etc. since you don't have any particulars about this couple. Here are some of the things my in-laws eat and drink most often:

1. Basmati rice (can be purchased in large bags at Sam's Club or Costco...this is a staple for a lot of Indian recipes, so this could be the 'main' part of your gift. If you're feeling especially generous, you could also include a small rice cooker (available @ Wal-Mart or Target)
2. Like previous posters mentioned, lots of canned vegetables (corn, carrots, green beans, chickpeas, tomatoes, etc.)
3. Any kind of nuts (peanuts, cashews, almonds, etc.)
4. Canned fruit (in lieu of fresh fruit)...peaches, pears, oranges, mangoes (if possible), etc.
5. Any types of lentils or beans
6. Tea
7. Pasta with any kind of red sauce (just be sure the sauce doesn't have meat in it)
8. Cereal (plain Cheerios, Chex, Kix, Rice Krispies, etc.)

If you're looking for spices, some that you should be able to find in a regular grocery store include cinnamon, cloves, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, cumin powder, etc.

I hope this is helpful...good luck with your shopping and happy holidays!

DD wanted to get canned tuna and salmon and learning about this perhaps we will stick to the dried beans and canned veggies and fruits. Thanks !

 

[soocool]

note: some Indian people...don't remember which group....do not eat anything that came from below the ground which would include potatoes.

worked with such a guy...i think he belonged to a krishna group.

MoZo

ps are gift certificates acceptable? is there an Indian association or group with whom you could confer?

Not knowing where this couple resides makes me hesitate getting gift cards. Wish the YWCA had given us more info.

 

[soocool]

I was also thinking... I'm not sure where you are, but I know that either CVS or Walgreens has a bin of spices that you can get for real cheap. Maybe you could add some other more American floavors as well as the one Indian one? Heck, even just pepper and salt would be helpful.

Thanks meresal, yeah I forgot about CVS and their spices.

 

[jaysonsmom]

Just another thought.....they may not be Indian (from India), could they be Native American Indian? I would stick to things that are not too culturally specific. Dried pasta, beans, canned vegetables are good. Spices are expensive, and I'd put that $$$ into more basic necessities. That's just MHO.

 

[luv2sparkle]

I would go to costco and purchase a big bag of rice and large sizes of whatever non perishables I could find. I always think
that folks who are struggling would appreciate large quantities of staples like rice and cereal, beans, even coffee and creamer.
The things we would miss if we couldn't afford to purchase them. Canned fruit. Dried fruit. Nuts. They even have non perishable
milk for kids lunches. It would be great to have that on hand as well. Some of those things are non essentials, but I always like to
throw in a few extras. I think the 'extras' are the things that are a little 'happy' in the holidays especially if you can't afford to buy
them.

What a nice thing for your daughter to do. I wouldn't worry about the ethnic part, just get things she thinks would be useful and
they would enjoy.