Whatever shopping habits you had...they changed once the pandemic began. Brand loyalty went out the window, as did actual deal hunting. That a store had something you needed was a triumph in and of itself. This has lead to some interesting purchasing changes for me, but none that were long-term. It is easy to keep an open mind because it could always be worse and you got what you needed, so who cares?
To that point, in Autumn the school sent emails and texts that they were providing food free of charge as it was already in the budget. I figured that was for those who needed it, so I ignored the notes. However, in the middle of winter, making the same ol shit for a VERY finicky eater I noticed that the school missives said "for everyone." I reached out and confirmed this claim. "Yes, we have it, come over Friday morning."
That first visit was a surprise. A quart of milk, a hothouse cucumber, and a large box. Inside the box were individually portioned and frozen foods along with fruit cups, juice boxes, cereal cups, and more sporks than I'll ever need in my life. Just having these options invigorated the two of us. She'd adhere, mostly, to the menu, and we find hits (she loved Salisbury Steak from the first bite) and losers (you don't want government chicken nuggets or "General Tso's Chicken"). Even as we've started to bore of the usual fare, that these helpers are there are still a welcome delight.
Last week's pickup brought some news: next week will be more supplies than frozen foods. It'll be items so we can make things ourselves. Which...was 1 of the problems (because, according to my employer, at home alone doing work with a kid I therefore have all the time in the world) but so be it. Opening the box this morning brought, well...some interesting staples.
The cans, though. The cans brought a chuckle to my face. "What is that?" said the Big Scoop. Oh, she saw what was reported to be in the can, but in this young age, even she seemed suspect by the items. Let's just take a look, shall we?
Teasdale Pinto Beans (a can of Jean's own!)
Just because I've never heard of a brand doesn't make me laugh. On the contrary - if anything I get eager to see if I like it (and, like Newman, to see if I can tell the difference). Teasdale is a Texas brand, out of Carrollton out there on Belt Line Road. I think what caught my eye was the red on top with white writing (not unlike Campbell's) but I did like the drop shadow and 60's font. Just in time for Cinco de Mayo, too.
Tuny tuna fish
Abasto Magazine, the publication for Hispanic food and beverage industry news, says Tuny "began its commercialization in the ’90s and quickly positioned itself as one of the favorite tuna brands by Mexicans." "Tuny is backed by the most prestigious national and international certificates to give you the confidence that you are consuming an excellent and safe product." It IS important that you know what you're eating is safe, isn't it? Although, just that statement does leave a lingering doubt. Since they're such sticklers about safety, do know the can is not BPA free, and is in soybean oil, not water. But hey, free tuna.
Great Choice canned fruit
4 cans, Mr. Potthoff? You've made a Great Choice! The ingredients of the pears was simple: Pears, Water, Pear Juice, citric acid. It is distributed out of Stockton, but a product of China. The bottom of the label has the California warning about BPA, which, you'd think, would be an issue for a California company doing the distribution, but that doesn't move the items off the shelves. Searching for more information about this company didn't go far: there is already "Great Value" and "Best Choice" so are they going after the confused consumer? Highland Wholesale Foods Inc. describes themselves as "quality food distribution nationwide." They just forgot to tell you what kind of quality.
Chef Maxwell mixed vegetables
When the Big Scoop was little, I bought a toy set of fruits and vegetables that came with some boxes and cans and utensils. We'd play "restaurant" and learn about foods and so on. This can immediately came to mind as something lifted right from that set. As for Chef Maxwell, 5 years ago the FDA stated the frozen version of their mixed vegetables were recalled. Pay no mind, as this is the can, whose ingredients are listed as carrots, green peas, potatoes, sweet corn, water, and citric acid. Citric acid in vegetables? LA Foods in Agoura Hills was kind enough to send this our way, but another product of China. LA Foods' slogan is "stretching food budgets from coast to coast."
The following are the LA Food categories: Mass Feeders (not passing judgement on anyone in that photo), shelters, food banks, schools, and hospitals. "Our customer base is diversified; including schools, correctional facilities, manufacturers--" I'll stop there and say thank you for putting schools above correctional facilities.
And I'll say thank you to the school district for helping me break her away from daily mac n cheese desires, saving me a minor amount of time on a daily basis, and teaching me something new. Now, who's up for some Chef Maxwell?!
