Dinner Bag Drive
- T.J. Lucas
- Nov 5
- 9 min read
Updated: Nov 6
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat…” — Matthew 25:35
A Movement of Love in Action
At The Reformed Church in Scottdale, we believe faith becomes real when love takes tangible form. Our Dinner Bag Drive invites neighbors, friends, and partner churches to join together in filling ready-to-cook meal kits for the Food Pantry Box outside our doors. Each bag provides a complete, shelf-stable meal along with a blessing card—nourishing both body and spirit.
We are grateful to share that, through a Mission Grant, a bigger and better pantry is now being built to expand this outreach. Until construction is complete, we invite you to help us build the movement and keep food flowing to our community.
How It Works
Download the Materials (or see them at the bottom of article)
Use the links below to download printable PDFs for the shopping list and packing as well as recipe cards to include in each bag
Shop & Pack a Bag
Follow the shopping lists to fill a 2-gallon zipper bag with non-perishable ingredients for one complete meal. PLEASE DONT FORGET TO INCLUDE RECIPE CARDS!
Return or Share
Bring filled bags to the church during Sunday worship at 9:30 am or simply place them directly into the outdoor Food Pantry Box.
An Open Invitation
We gladly invite individuals, families, and other congregations to take part. You are welcome to adapt and share these files or make up recipes and bag dinners of your own! Be creative. If your church uses this idea as a mission, you may note where they came from with a small blessing and invitation too as we don’t believe in competition between buildings—all are of God. Our only request is that no tracts or theological literature be placed in or alongside these meals. This ministry feeds people, not doctrines. The message of love is already baked in.
Join Us in Feeding Our Neighbors
Together we can keep the pantry full, hearts hopeful, and tables extended far beyond our walls.
Update: For other ways to help such as offering time (we need volunteers to start a hot meal program), talent (email us if you have an idea or gift), or treasure see this article, scroll down after the biblical insights to actionable things, our QR code for giving, etc. The Next SAAC meeting is January 6th at noon at Scottdale Mennonite on Market Street if you want to join us alongside other churches in our area in this work and more. SAAC funds the local food bank as well as other outreach missions in our area for our neighbors with varying needs.
The Reformed Church in Scottdale
Sundays at 9:30 AM · In Person or Online
“Love First, Always.”
If the PDFs gave you trouble here is the content simplified:
Shopping Lists:
Dinner Bag Drive
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.” - Matthew 25:35
This season, we’re extending Christ’s table beyond our walls by filling Dinner Bags for our community. Each bag contains a full meal made from simple, affordable, shelf-stable foods–mindful of ingredients they may not have like butter or milk — packed with care, prayer, and love.
Take a 2 gallon bag and recipe card– Once filled, simply return your completed bag to the church during Sunday worship at 9:30 am or after between 10:30 am and 11:30 am
or place it directly in our outdoor Food Pantry Box at 106 N. Chestnut Scottdale, PA
Feel free to copy any recipe cards (also available on our website faithinscottdale.org) and buy a box of bags if you are called to do more than what we are providing here.
Thank you for anything you can do to help our neighbors in need! God bless you in your love and kindness.
Thanksgiving Meal Kit
A shelf-stable version of a traditional holiday dinner.
Shopping List
2 cans chicken or turkey
1 box stuffing mix
1 packet gravy mix
1 can sweet potatoes or yams
1 can green beans
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 small can French fried onions
1 white starch option:
1 bag instant “just add water” mashed potatoes or
1 bag dry noodles (any variety)
Dessert (choose one):
1 box instant gelatin (Jell-O) — any flavor or
1 can fruit pie filling and 1 individually sealed inner pack of graham crackers (Each graham cracker box contains three sealed inner packs — enough for three kits without opening any packages.)
Packing Instructions
Place heavier cans on the bottom, with boxes and packets on top.
Make sure all items are sealed and non-perishable.
Do not add fresh or frozen food.
Seal the 2-gallon bag and return it to the church at Sunday Worship 9:30 am (we will bless it at the altar during offering with other donations) or place it directly in the outdoor pantry - 106 North Chestnut Scottdale, PA
Rice & Beans Fiesta Bowl
A flavorful, complete-protein meal built around beans and rice.
Shopping List
1 can black beans or pinto beans
1 pouch or 1 cup instant rice (white or Spanish-style)
1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel-type)
1 small can corn (optional)
1 packet taco seasoning
1 small can chicken (optional)
Packing Instructions
Place heavier cans on the bottom, with boxes and packets on top.
Make sure all items are sealed and non-perishable.
Do not add fresh or frozen food.
Seal the 2-gallon bag and return it to the church at Sunday Worship 9:30 am (we will bless it at the altar during offering with other donations) or place it directly in the outdoor pantry - 106 North Chestnut Scottdale, PA
Hidden Bean Chili Mix
A hearty, blended chili where beans provide strength and substance.
Shopping List
1 can pinto or black beans
1 can tomato soup or crushed tomatoes
1 small can chili beans or chili-ready tomatoes
1 packet chili seasoning
1 small can chicken or tuna (optional)
1 small box cornbread mix
Packing Instructions
Place heavier cans on the bottom, with boxes and packets on top.
Make sure all items are sealed and non-perishable.
Do not add fresh or frozen food.
Seal the 2-gallon bag and return it to the church at Sunday Worship 9:30 am (we will bless it at the altar during offering with other donations) or place it directly in the outdoor pantry - 106 North Chestnut Scottdale, PA
HEARTY HAM SUPPER
A comforting, shelf-stable meal centered on canned ham — with sides that create a traditional “Sunday-style” dinner that can be made with only a pot, pan, or microwave.
Shopping List
1 can cooked ham (any brand, 12–16 oz)
1 can sliced potatoes or 1 pouch instant mashed potatoes (just add water)
1 can green beans or mixed vegetables
1 can pineapple slices or tidbits (pairs beautifully with ham)
1 small packet brown sugar or honey glaze mix (optional — or 2 tbsp brown sugar in a small baggie)
1 box macaroni & cheese (optional starch alternative)
1 box or pouch muffin mix (just add water or shelf-stable milk — cornbread or biscuit style works great)
Packing Instructions
Place heavier cans on the bottom, with boxes and packets on top.
Make sure all items are sealed and non-perishable.
Do not add fresh or frozen food.
Seal the 2-gallon bag and return it to the church at Sunday Worship 9:30 am (we will bless it at the altar during offering with other donations) or place it directly in the outdoor pantry - 106 North Chestnut Scottdale, PA
TUNA COMFORT MEAL
To provide a protein-rich, easy-to-make meal with tuna as the centerpiece — comforting, simple, and adaptable for any household, even those with minimal cooking tools.
Shopping List
2 cans tuna (in water or oil, any brand)
1 box macaroni & cheese or 1 box pasta with cheese sauce packet
1 can peas or mixed vegetables
1 can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of celery)
1 small can fruit (such as peaches or mandarin oranges)
1 small packet breadcrumbs (optional topping or mix-in)
Packing Instructions
Place heavier cans on the bottom, with boxes and packets on top.
Make sure all items are sealed and non-perishable.
Do not add fresh or frozen food.
Seal the 2-gallon bag and return it to the church at Sunday Worship 9:30 am (we will bless it at the altar during offering with other donations) or place it directly in the outdoor pantry - 106 North Chestnut Scottdale, PA
Recipe Cards Below:
Please print or hand write and include in each meal bag!!!
THANKSGIVING MEAL KIT
How to Prepare
Main Dish: Mix canned chicken (or turkey) with prepared stuffing and gravy.
Sides:
Sweet Potatoes: Heat and top with marshmallows if you have them.
Green Bean Casserole: Combine green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and fried onions. Heat through.
White Starch:
If your kit includes instant “just add water” mashed potatoes, prepare according to package directions and season to taste.
If your kit includes noodles, cook according to package directions and top with gravy or a little butter if available
Dessert:
If your kit includes instant Jell-O, mix with hot water, stir, and let set.If your kit includes fruit pie filling and graham crackers, spoon fruit over crackers or crumble crackers on top to make a simple pie.
A Share Blessing: May the hands that give and the hands that receive both be blessed by this act of love. May this food nourish your body, and from your body, may it bring strength and peace to your soul.
An Invitation: No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here because we need more than bodily nourishment in our lives. Please don’t feel obligated to come but just welcome. Come as you are — in work boots or pajamas — and know that we welcome the noise of children as well. Worship is every Sunday at 9:30 am with a fellowship hour after downstairs with coffee and a bite to eat.
Rice & Beans Fiesta Bowl
How to Prepare:
Drain and mash beans until mostly smooth.
Stir in tomato soup or crushed tomatoes, chili seasoning, and any included meat.
Heat until warm on stovetop or microwave. Prepare cornbread mix according to package directions if you can bake it. Optional: Top with shredded cheese or hot sauce.
A Share Blessing: May the hands that give and the hands that receive both be blessed by this act of love. May this food nourish your body, and from your body, may it bring strength and peace to your soul.
An Invitation: No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here because we need more than bodily nourishment in our lives. Please don’t feel obligated to come but just welcome. Come as you are — in work boots or pajamas — and know that we welcome the noise of children as well. Worship is every Sunday at 9:30 am with a fellowship hour after downstairs with coffee and a bite to eat.
HEARTY HAM SUPPER
How to Prepare:
Slice or cube canned ham.
Combine with pineapple and brown sugar (or glaze) in a pan or microwave-safe bowl.
Heat until warm and lightly caramelized.
Heat canned or instant potatoes and vegetables; season to taste.
Prepare macaroni & cheese or muffin mix (if included). Dessert: Enjoy leftover pineapple as a light sweet treat.
A Share Blessing: May the hands that give and the hands that receive both be blessed by this act of love. May this food nourish your body, and from your body, may it bring strength and peace to your soul.
An Invitation: No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here because we need more than bodily nourishment in our lives. Please don’t feel obligated to come but just welcome. Come as you are — in work boots or pajamas — and know that we welcome the noise of children as well. Worship is every Sunday at 9:30 am with a fellowship hour after downstairs with coffee and a bite to eat.
TUNA COMFORT MEAL
How to Prepare:
Cook pasta or macaroni & cheese according to directions.
Drain tuna and stir it in.
Add cream of mushroom soup and peas or mixed vegetables.
Heat until warm throughout.
Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top (if included). Alternative: Serve tuna cold with fruit for a quick no-heat meal.
A Share Blessing: May the hands that give and the hands that receive both be blessed by this act of love. May this food nourish your body, and from your body, may it bring strength and peace to your soul.
An Invitation: No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here because we need more than bodily nourishment in our lives. Please don’t feel obligated to come but just welcome. Come as you are — in work boots or pajamas — and know that we welcome the noise of children as well. Worship is every Sunday at 9:30 am with a fellowship hour after downstairs with coffee and a bite to eat.
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