Gift Ideas…Food for the Flu Season
None of us want to think about the possibility of a pandemic but looking at the history of pandemics we know it is coming. We seem to have forgotten this since the immediate threat of a bird flu pandemic has temporarily passed. Why do we refuse to learn lessons from the past? If you work in the health care field this is the perfect gift for you to give. Even if you don’t, this is a fun idea for anyone who has a family, since there is always a threat of seasonal flu. Find a large box and decorate the outside so you are not wasting money on one more basket, or get a large, fun gift bag from the dollar store for your container. Fill it with all the foods and drinks you will need on hand when the flu strikes.
Think BRAT: Banana, rice, applesauce and toast. These are the foods fed to small children when they have been ill and need foods that are easy to digest. The same foods are perfect when fighting the flu.
Granted bananas are difficult, but the other foods are easy to store. Begin your gift by adding a bag of rice, add a few jars of applesauce and a loaf of yummy homemade bread, with the recipe attached. That’s just the beginning. After a surgery or illness the first food you are fed is..flavored gelatin, so add a few boxes. Another of the first foods is popsicles. Throw in a few Otter pops. You want to provide foods that are easy to digest so the patient can regain their strength. Add some ginger ale, chicken noodle soup, crackers and juice. When adding juice be sure it is 100% juice as you will want as many vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants, consumed by those who are ill.
Write a fun note to add to your gift. Tell the recipient that you wish you could always be there to care for them but when you can’t here are some comfort foods to help them get through the crisis.
If you don’t want to give many foods but just want to give a complete three month supply of one food, make it fun. Not sure what a three month supply is for a college student or family of 5? Use your Mother Hubbard calculator or check the Where to Begin Food Storage section. Purchase a large Christmas stocking at the dollar store and fill it with packages of Jello. Jello will go on sale before Thanksgiving. Stack cans of ginger ale in the shape of a Christmas tree. Empty the top can and place red flowers in it and give the whole thing away to one of your Christmas guests, or leave it on the doorstep of a friend, ring the bell and run. Of course, you can just buy a few cases of a food items and call it good. Let’s face it if things keep going the way they are your family and friends will be begging you for food storage for a gift.
This post comes at the PERFECT time for me. I currently have a sick 3 year old and am anticipating the other two getting it. I love the ideas you have here. Even if the recipient isn’t concerned about a pandemic, there is a possibility they will be sick at some time this winter. I also thought that for those with small children, adding a couple of new books or a new coloring book may be a good idea. I was also reminded of the importance of having Tylenol on hand when I ran out this week. I am going to have to stock up again and do a better job staying on top of my inventory!
How about a canister of powder Gatorade? It keeps forever and you can dilute it a bit or make pop cycles.
The gift basket is such a great idea!!!!