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10 Best Food and Meals for Homeless Shelter Residents

A homeless shelter is a place that makes available temporary housing to people who lack the basic necessities of life. Aside from where to lay their head, you will also find shelters that create programs that ensure that these people can get the knowledge or skills they need to get off the street and get back on their feet.

Although these shelters are known to provide almost the same services, homeless shelters are not the same as emergency shelters and warming centers.

While emergency shelters tend to people who are fleeing natural or man-made disasters, and warming centers open only during extreme weather conditions, homeless shelters are known to be for people who are chronically homeless.

Homeless shelters stay open year-round, even though you will still find some that function as emergency shelters and warming centers if the need comes up.

Nevertheless, note that every shelter will have its own precise approaches to helping people who are dealing with homelessness.

A good number of them will provide temporary accommodations and a wide array of services to help them get their life back together.

Howbeit, one particular thing that is known to be common across the board is the provision of food and meals. This can be as simple as making sandwiches or soup, or even preparing an entire meal with snack items.

The essence of this provision is to ensure that those dealing with homelessness can as well enjoy nutritious, filling meals that will give them the strength to continue on their journey.

While you will want to consider your budget and availability when choosing the right food to make in a homeless shelter, don’t forget that this might be the only food homeless people can get, especially since they often have no money. 

Best Food and Meals for Homeless Shelters

  1. Hot Dogs

This is without doubt one of the most popular delicacies in the United States and it has proven to be a great meal to make at homeless shelters.

To make this, you will only have to get some sausages, buns, and your favorite condiments. If you want to go a little further, add chili or cheese.

  1. Vegetable Stew

It is quite easy to make a mind-blowing stew with whatever vegetables you have on hand. Keep in mind that stew is a very healthy recipe that is filling and warm, and this makes it ideal for serving in a homeless shelter.

  1. Tuna Noodle Pasta

This is another mind-blowing option to consider. To prepare this pasta, all you require is tuna, canned tomatoes, onion, garlic powder, oregano, and some elbow macaroni noodles. Also, note that this meal can be enjoyed with cheese or green beans on the side.

  1. Vegetable Lasagna

If your plan is to make and serve a plant-based meal at the homeless shelter, then this with without doubt one of the best options to consider.

You will relish the fact that they are easy to make. All you really need is some lasagna noodles, canned tomatoes, spinach, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella cheese.

You have to layer all the items together and bake them in the oven. Residents in your homeless shelter will love this warm tasty dish and possibly want more of it.

  1. Curry and Rice

Being flavorful and nourishing, curry is something you always want to have around. To make this meal, you need some cooked rice, curry powder, canned tomatoes, and potatoes.

To make a perfect meal, cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure that the chicken does not stick to the bottom of the pot. Consider serving this wonderful meal with some naan bread or chapattis on the side.

  1. Burrito Bowls

Burrito bowls are filling and healthy, and your residents will relish this meal. To make this meal, get some cooked rice, black beans, corn, bell pepper, shredded cheese, salsa, and cilantro. While there are many ways to enjoy this meal, you will want to serve this burrito bowl with tortilla chips on the side.

 7. Chicken Tenders, Veg and Mash

One other great meal you should consider cooking at your homeless shelter is chicken tenders served with mashed potato and side vegetables. There are people who would want to enjoy this meal with some gravy or ketchup since it can make it more appetizing.

It’s also a viable way to get more protein into the homeless person’s diet and provide a nutritious and tasty meal that will give the residents satisfaction.

  1. Spaghetti & Meatballs

Well-known as a classic Italian dish, it has proven to be the go-to meal for a good crowd! To make this meal, you need spaghetti, canned tomatoes, a little olive oil, ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, salt & pepper to make the meatballs as well as some fresh basil or Italian seasoning to top it off.

  1. Chili Mac & Cheese

You can also combine two favorites into one to make a meal that will soothe the hunger of your residents while also being nutritious!

You will only have to get macaroni noodles, chili beans, canned tomatoes, bell peppers, and shredded cheese to make this wonderful meal. Consider serving your mac and cheese with some crackers on the side!

  1. Mexican Fajitas

Not many meals can beat this Mexican favorite. To make this meal, you only have to get some chicken or beef, bell peppers, onions, flour tortillas, and your favorite fajita seasoning. Most people enjoy this meal with sour cream, cilantro, and other toppings for an extra special touch