Name: Meal in a Bag Collection & Packaging Event
Start: 2025-11-16T12:00:00-07:00
Location: 405 W. Boxelder Road, Suite B4 Gillette Wy

Meal in a Bag Collection & Packaging Event

Let’s Feed Our Neighbors!
As we head into the season of gratitude and giving, I’ve decided to give back a little differently this year. Instead of hosting a Give Back Mat Class in November or December, I’m organizing something close to my heart — a Meal in a Bag Collection & Packaging Event to support our local Council of Community Services.
If you’ve seen the recent updates from the Council or followed the news, you may know that SNAP benefits and other food support programs have been delayed, leaving many families unsure of where their next meal will come from. Right here in our own community, some of our neighbors are struggling — and together, we can help.
Meals in a Bag are simple, complete meal kits — each one fits inside a gallon Ziplock and contains everything needed to make a warm, nourishing dish. These meals will go directly to the Council of Community Services, who will share them through the Soup Kitchen (for take-home evening or weekend meals) and the Food Pantry.
My goal is to provide 100 meal bags in November — one for each person the Soup Kitchen serves every single day.
Meal in a Bag Collection & Packaging Event
Sunday, November 16 at noon
Location: 405 W. Boxelder Road, Suite B4
Here’s how you can help:
• Donate Ingredients: Choose a recipe (below) and either buy all the ingredients or donate multiples of one item. Gallon Ziplock bags are also appreciated! You can have items delivered to my home (via DoorDash or online retailers) or drop them off at my workplace — just message me for the addresses.
• Join the Packaging Party: Come help assemble meal kits on Sunday, November 16 at noon. Bring your energy, compassion, and any extra Ziplock bags or large boxes you have lying around. Spend you Sunday doing something small that makes a big impact.
• Donate Money: If you’d prefer, you can send donation through Venmo (@Felicia-Messimer) — just write “Meals in a Bag” or “MIAB” in the note line. Every dollar will go toward buying ingredients and supplies for the kits.
Thank you for helping feed our community.
Below are two meals that I want to provide in November:
Chicken & Stuffing Casserole
Ingredients:
• 1 can chicken (10–12 oz)
• 1 can mixed vegetables (15 oz), drained
• 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
• 1 box stuffing mix (6 oz, like Stove Top or similar)
Tex-Mex Rice & Beans in a Bag
Ingredients:
• 1 pouch or can of black beans (15 oz), drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel style, 10 oz)
• 1 bag of 90 second instant rice (8–9 oz)
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• Optional: 1 can corn (15 oz), drained
At Smiths, getting the items for both these meals cost me $12.16.
Other nutritional items you may want to provide:
• Canned fruit (any)
• Canned veggies (any)
• Canned chicken
• Packets of tuna
• Canned soups or chili
Gratefully,
Felicia