Feel good about saving money on your next barbecue

We're all feeling the pinch at the gasoline pump, but the food bill is no picnic, either.

While we're finding ways to burn less gasoline, it's no fun, especially during the summer hot-dog-and-hamburger season, to try to cut back in that area of the budget.

At the same time, it feels good to do something for someone else, with no expectation of getting anything in return.

The Prairie Land Food program provides a great way to combine volunteer work with everyone's need to eat.

We're puzzled by news that participation is down, and hear there's a real chance the program could be discontinued because of the cost of the fuel to deliver the food.

That would be a shame. For a couple of hours of volunteer work a month, you're entitled to a special food package at a bargain price through the Prairie Land Food program. This month, the Prairie Pak "Sneak Peek" includes a pound each of Corn King Sliced turkey breast, sweet Italian sausage, broiled meatballs and boneless pork tenderloins -- four 4-ounce pieces -- plus 1.7 pounds of chicken drums.

Plus, for a total of $24 and those two hours of volunteering, you will receive six to eight items of fresh fruits and vegetables.

If you'd like a meat only package, they're $13, and a veggie package is $11.

July Special No. 1 is two large 16 ounce rings of shrimp with cocktail sauce for $13, No. 2 is 12, 11-ounce Freschetta pepperoni pizzas for $14, and No. 3, the Little Griller for $16 is four 5-ounce bacon wrapped sirloin steaks, four 5-ounce bacon wrapped turkey breast fillets and one pound of IQF boneless chicken breasts. All of the specials require an hour of volunteering as well.

What type of volunteering is up to you, probably something you already do. Volunteer for 4-H, sing in the church choir, teach Sunday School, take a walk and pick up trash, say a prayer for others -- you can convert your family's volunteer time into a tangible reward, groceries provided by Prairie Land Food at a discount.

Interested?

You need to order and pay for your food by Monday, July 14. You may pay with cash, check or EBT food stamps, but there are no income guidelines needed or asked for.

The food can be picked up Saturday, July 26, from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at the Ed Thomas YMCA, 901 West E.

Contact Cathy Lubben at (308) 345-2143 in McCook, Darlene Leahy at (308) 334-5353 in Trenton, Sandra Thompson at (308) 276-2417 in Stratton, Ardith Tracy at (308) 423-5439 in Benkelman or Linda Hagan at (800) 298-1989 or clkhagan@ruraltel.net

An order form is available online at http://www.prairielandfood.com

Try it out. You'll feel good about yourself, and you and your family will enjoy nutritious food at a bargain price. Want to feel even beter? Share it with someone who could use a good meal.