Cooking for Shelters

[shaunchavis]

Hello all ---

I've been involved with a wonderful project in Birmingham called The Table -- a volunteer, grassroots effort to feed homeless people on weekends, when some of our city's other kitchens aren't serving meals. Someone plans a meal for each weekend day, then recruits about 15 people to help buy, prepare, and serve food. We volunteers pay for the food ourselves, and feed about 100 - 120 people each day -- and for many, it's their only meal of the day.

This year I've decided to help plan meals. Ideally, the founders of The Table have asked that meals be planned so each volunteer spends about $20 to $25. (Which I've blown easily, making 20-30 servings of beef stew, Mexican chicken & bean casserole, etc.)

So I'm wondering if any eGullet pals cook for shelters or similar projects, and could share ideas for recipes that are inexpensive to make, great for feeding a crowd, and filling? Easy is great, too-- many volunteers are not experienced cooks and are intimidated by long lists of ingredients or steps.

I have, until now, refused to open a single can of Cream of Ick Soup (mushroom, chicken, whatever) in this endeavor, and I'd like to stick to my principles

Thanks for any suggestions!

Shaun

[dockhl]

shaun~

that sounds like a wonderful endeavor !

Not exactly the same thing but randi (CaliPoutine) has a marvelous thread

Cooking for 50 Senior Citizens, ideas needed......

I think her budget is $3/person for a full meal. She has great ideas and menus, and is extremely reluctant to cut corners. Lots of good information.

Kathy