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Lunch Bags

Shelf-Stable Meal Kit Ideas

Food Donation Box
Shelf-Stable Chicken and Dumplings

Shelf- Stable Chicken-n-Dumplings

Ingredients 

  • 1 can cream of chicken soup

  • 1 can chicken (or chicken pouch)

  • 1 small carton or can of chicken broth

  • 1 can of carrots 

  • 1 box biscuit mix (the “just add water” kind if available)

  • Salt + pepper packets

  •  

  • ​Instructions card to include in kit:​

  1. Pour chicken broth + cream of chicken soup into a pot. Heat until bubbling.

  2. Add canned chicken (with juice) and carrots and stir.

  3. In a small bowl, mix biscuit mix with just enough water to create a sticky, thick dough.

  4. Drop spoonfuls of dough into the hot soup mixture.

  5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook 10–12 minutes until dumplings are fluffy.

  6. Season with salt + pepper to taste.

Makes 3–4 servings.

Vegetable Chili Bean Stew With Red Kidney Beans, Tomatoes, Sweetcorn, Red and Yellow Peppe

Shelf-Stable Chili 

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INGREDIENTS 

  • 1 can chili beans (or kidney beans), drained

  • 1 can black beans, drained

  • 1 can diced tomatoes (with green chilis if available)

  • 1 small can tomato sauce

  • 1 packet chili seasoning mix

  • Optional add-ins: 1 can corn (drained), 1 can chicken or beef (drained)

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Open all cans.

  2. Drain liquid from the beans (and meat if using).

  3. Dump all ingredients into a pot.

  4. Add the chili seasoning packet.

  5. Stir everything together.

  6. Bring to a simmer over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  7. Taste and add salt/pepper if they have it.

Kid hack:
If a stove is not an option → you can also microwave in a microwave-safe bowl in 2 minute intervals, stirring between each one, until hot.

OPTIONAL EASY TOPPINGS (if they have access)

  • Saltine crackers

  • Hot sauce packets

This feeds 2–3 people easily and everything can fit into one 2-gallon Ziploc bag for blessing boxes.

Shelf-Stable Taco Soup

Shelf Stable Southwest Chicken Rice Protein Bowl

Ingredients:

  • 1 packet microwave rice (Spanish rice is ideal)

  • 1 can chicken (or chicken pouch)

  • 1 can black beans

  • 1 can corn

  • 1 small salsa cup or small jar salsa

  • 1 taco seasoning packet

Optional add-ins:

  • small can Rotel (diced tomatoes w/ chilies)

  • bag of tortilla chips

​

Instruction Card (for the bag)

Southwest Chicken Rice Protein Bowl

  1. Heat rice according to directions.
    (OR microwave rice in a bowl w/ 1–2 TBSP water for 60 seconds)

  2. Drain corn + drain beans.

  3. Dump rice, black beans, corn, and chicken (with juice) into a bowl.

  4. Stir in salsa.

  5. Season with taco seasoning packet to taste.

  6. Optional: crush tortilla chips on top for crunch.

Makes 2–3 servings

Shelf-stable chili recipe

SHELF-STABLE TACO SOUP KIT
 

Ingredients 

​

  • 1 can chili beans (or pinto beans)

  • 1 can black beans

  • 1 can corn

  • 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)

  • 1 can chicken or ground beef (shelf-stable canned meat)

  • 1 packet taco seasoning

  • 1 small carton or can of chicken broth

Optional Add-ins:

  • small bag of tortilla chips

  • packet of shelf-stable shredded cheese (if available)

  • salt & pepper packets

​​

Instruction Card (to include in the bag)

Taco Soup – Shelf Stable Version

  1. In a medium pot, combine:

    • both cans of beans (drained)

    • can of corn (drained)

    • can of diced tomatoes (undrained)

    • can of chicken (with juice)

    • taco seasoning packet

    • chicken broth

  2. Stir well and heat over medium until hot and bubbly (about 10–15 minutes). (add additional water or broth if needed)

  3. Taste and season with salt or pepper if needed.

  4. Optional: crumble tortilla chips on top when serving.

Shelf-Stable Pizza Pasta

Pizza Pasta Kit 

Bag Ingredients:

​

  • 1 box pasta (penne or rotini works best)

  • 1 small jar or can of pizza sauce (or marinara if easier to find)

  • 1 small can of mushrooms

  • 1 small can of olives

  • 1 pouch or can of chicken or beef (optional protein)

  • 1 packet Italian seasoning

  • 1 parmesan cheese packet (shelf-stable)

Optional Add-ins:

  • small bag of shelf-stable pepperoni or beef jerky bits (for flavor and protein)

​

Instruction Card (to include in the bag)

  1. Cook pasta according to box directions. Drain.

  2. In the same pot, add:

    • pizza sauce

    • canned chicken (or beef)

    • olives

    • mushrooms

    • Italian seasoning

  3. Stir and heat for 3–5 minutes until warm.

  4. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese before serving.

Optional: crumble jerky or pepperoni bits on top for a “meat lovers” version.

Makes 3–4 servings.
 

In the Kingdom of God, there’s always one more seat. We believe every table should look a little more like His.
Shelf-Stable Vanilla Birthday Cake

Vanilla Birthday cake w/ shelf-stable ingredients
 

Ingredients (all shelf-stable)

  • 1 box yellow or vanilla cake mix

  • 1 cup shelf-stable milk (or 1 cup water if milk isn’t available)

  • 1 individual cup of applesauce (replaces eggs)

  • 1 individual cup of vanilla pudding (replaces oil)

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional mini bottle)

  • 1 tub ready-to-spread vanilla frosting

  • 1 small packet sprinkles or colored sugar

  • ​

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (or prepare a toaster oven or electric skillet if that’s what you have).

  2. In a medium bowl, mix together the cake mix, milk (or water), applesauce, pudding cup, and vanilla extract until smooth.

  3. Pour batter into a greased 8x8-inch pan or two small foil pans.

  4. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

    • Cooking times may vary slightly with alternative baking methods.

  5. Let the cake cool completely.

  6. Spread with frosting and top with sprinkles (and maybe a candle for celebration 

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Meal Kit Tip

Pack these items together for a cheerful “Birthday in a Bag”:

  • 1 box vanilla cake mix

  • 1 pudding cup

  • 1 applesauce cup

  • 1 shelf-stable milk box

  • 1 tub frosting

  • 1 packet sprinkles

  • Birthday candle

  • ​

Add a  note card that says:

Because everyone deserves to celebrate something sweet ,no matter the day.

Shelf-Stable 2-ingredients Chocolate Cake

2 Ingredient Chocolate Cake w/ shelf-stable ingredients

Ingredients

  • 1 box Betty Crocker Super Moist Chocolate Cake Mix

  • 1 (12 oz) can Dr Pepper (regular or cherry works great!)

​

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch pan.

  2. In a large bowl, pour in the cake mix and slowly add the Dr Pepper.

  3. Stir until smooth and bubbly — the carbonation helps make the cake light and fluffy.

  4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake according to directions on the back of the box, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. (

  5. Let cool completely before frosting or serving.

​

Optional toppings

  • A tub of Betty Crocker Chocolate Fudge Frosting

  • A dusting of powdered sugar

  • Or keep it plain  it’s rich enough all on its own!

​​​

Chicken Casserole Shelf-Stable

Shelf-Stable Chicken Casserole 
 

Ingredients

  • 1 can chicken (with juice)

  • 1 can cream of chicken soup

  • 1 can mixed vegetables (drained)

  • 1 cup instant rice

  • ½ cup shelf-stable milk (or ½ cup water if milk isn’t available)

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

  • Salt and pepper packets (to taste)

  • 1 small can fried onions or a handful of crushed crackers (for topping)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl or foil pan, combine canned chicken, cream of chicken soup, mixed vegetables, instant rice, milk (or water), and all seasonings.

  2. Stir until everything is well mixed.

  3. Cover loosely with foil or a lid and bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.

    • If using a stovetop or electric skillet, heat over medium for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally until rice is tender.

  4. Sprinkle fried onions or crushed crackers on top before serving for a little crunch!

apple crumble.png

Easy Apple Pie Dump Cake

Ingredients:

​

  • 1 can apple pie filling

  • 1 box yellow or spice cake mix

  • ½ cup shelf-stable butter or margarine (or coconut oil)

​

Instructions:

  1. Spread apple pie filling in a 9x9 pan.

  2. Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly on top.

  3. Pour melted butter (or oil) over the top.

  4. Bake at 350°F for 30–35 minutes (or until golden).
    Tastes like warm cobbler — no eggs needed!

Cheese Fondue

Shelf-Stable Cheesy Taco Dip (Appetizer or Meal Add-On)

Ingredients (All Shelf-Stable)

  • 1 can nacho cheese sauce

  • 1 can black beans, drained

  • 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel), undrained

  • 1 can corn, drained

  • 1 packet taco seasoning

  • Optional add-ins:

    • small bag of tortilla chips

    • shelf-stable rice pouch

    • mini can of sliced jalapeños

    • ​

Instructions (Include on Card)

  1. In a medium pot, combine:

    • nacho cheese sauce

    • drained black beans

    • drained corn

    • diced tomatoes with green chilies (with juice)

    • taco seasoning packet

  2. Stir well and heat over medium until warm and bubbly (about 8–10 minutes).

  3. Serve with tortilla chips as a dip, or spoon over warm microwavable rice for a quick meal.

apple crumble.png

Easy Apple Pie Dump Cake

Ingredients:

​

  • 1 can apple pie filling

  • 1 box yellow or spice cake mix

  • ½ cup shelf-stable butter or margarine (or coconut oil)

​

Instructions:

  1. Spread apple pie filling in a 9x9 pan.

  2. Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly on top.

  3. Pour melted butter (or oil) over the top.

  4. Bake at 350°F for 30–35 minutes (or until golden).
    Tastes like warm cobbler — no eggs needed!

Simple Meal Kit Ideas

Chicken and Rice 

  • 1 can chicken

  • 1 pouch microwavable rice

  • Optional: 1 packet soy sauce or salsa

Mix together and heat in the microwave for 60–90 seconds.

Pasta & Meat Sauce

  • 1 can pasta sauce

  • 1 can meat (chicken, turkey, or beef)

  • 1 pouch precooked pasta or instant noodles

 Combine and heat until warm.

Taco Rice

  • 1 pouch Mexican or Spanish-style rice

  • 1 can chicken or ground beef

  • 1 packet taco seasoning

 Stir together, microwave, and mix well for an easy taco bowl.

Cheesy Rice Cup

  • 1 pouch microwavable rice

  • 1 packet shelf-stable cheese sauce or powder

  • Optional: sprinkle of salt or pepper

Replacements and Hacks 

Egg Replacements

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When you don’t have eggs (or want to avoid them), try:

  • Applesauce: ¼ cup = 1 egg (adds moisture and a touch of sweetness)

  • Pumpkin puree: ¼ cup = 1 egg (adds richness, perfect for fall recipes)

  • Mashed banana: ¼ cup = 1 egg (great for muffins and breads)

  • Powdered egg mix: Follow label directions (long shelf life and reliable)

Oil or Butter Replacements

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  • Vanilla or chocolate pudding cup: ¼ cup = ¼ cup oil (adds moisture and flavor)

  • Applesauce: ½ cup = ½ cup oil (lightens up cakes or brownies)

  • Pumpkin puree: ½ cup = ½ cup oil (adds fiber and keeps baked goods soft)

  • Nut butter or sunflower butter: Adds protein and healthy fats to bars or cookies

Baking and Dessert Hacks 

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  • Add soda or sparkling water to boxed cake mix instead of eggs and oil for a lighter cake

  • Use canned fruit (drained) in place of fresh fruit in cobblers or pies

  • Combine powdered creamer + water for a creamy substitute in recipes

  • Stir peanut butter + honey for a quick no-bake cookie base

  • Use instant oatmeal packets to replace part of flour in cookies or muffins

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