Easy Care Bags
Inspired by a conversation with Funky Town Fridge founder Kendra Richardson about stopping for people and bringing them food and water, I decided to get together supplies for my own care bags to hand out. I try to keep five bags at a time in my car and have been handing these out a few times a week for about 4 months now. It’s worth noting that I am really just sticking to my everyday routes while continuing to primarily stay home as a Covid precaution and I’m still handing them out regularly.
Over the past few months, I’ve seen changes in my perspective and my habits. One of the most notable shifts is the fact that when I drive, I’m more aware of those around me. I see those outside of my vehicle and am teaching my children to be aware of others too. Rather than going into a sort of state of dissociation and ending up home, I’m actively looking for people who not only could use help, but tend to get dismissed.
It’s important to note another thing Kendra taught me is the mindset of “solidarity, not charity.” This isn’t a charity, it’s not done out of pity, or in an attempt to build up myself as a white savior. I do this as an easy way to incorporate taking care of those directly around me into my daily routine. People don’t need to be a part of our lives in order to be taken care of.
If you’re in a financial place where adding some groceries onto your regular trip is manageable, consider creating a couple bags and seeing how your mindset towards taking care of your city changes.
Here’s whats in them:
Bags
Ponchos
Disinfectant Wipes
Bottled Water (with added electrolytes)
Hand Warmers (for cooler months)
Two types of granola bars
Trail Mix
Beef Jerky
Tuna Lunch To-Go
Cheese & Crackers
Nutella To-Go
Almond Butter
I have a container that sits in the floor of our backseat, easily within reach of the driver that holds all of the bags. Each of these items are easy to grab on your next grocery trip.
