HOW TO CREATE A FALL FESTIVAL FOOD BASKET

The basic Food Basket contains a complete meal that would feed a family of four.

You would begin by planning a meal just as you would for your family. Then you buy ALL the groceries to prepare it, and place them in a basket. You do not need to cook the food.

You can make a basket from your family, or make one cooperatively with others.

A complete meal would be;

  • Meat or entrée
  • Side dish
  • Salad or vegetable dish
  • Beverage (for four)
  • Dessert

Don’t forget to put in extras like breadsticks or crackers, dressings, condiments or whatever would make this meal more complete.

You can include a copy of the recipe(s) that were planned.

When you arrive with your basket, make sure to get it registered by an attendant at the Food Basket Game booth. They will give your basket a number, and the perishable items are tagged with that same number and removed to be put in refrigeration. When the basket is won during the game, the winner will receive those items back.

Here are some tips:

MEAT - Some basket makers find it easier (and

lighter !) to put in a gift card equal to

The value of the meat instead.

SIDE DISHES - Many times boxed or prepackaged

Items seem more desirable than raw

produce, but it can be either.

BEVERAGE - These can also be boxed (as in tea or

coffee) or a mix.

DESSERT - These can be bought or homemade! This

is one of those items that might be more

attractive if prepared already.

Now for the part that is fun and creative!

You can decorate your basket in any way you wish. You can give your basket (and meal) a theme. The more creative and attractive the better. It really helps to move the game along when the “prize” is even more coveted.

Ideas we have seen;

Ethnic meals like Mexican food, Italian food, etc.

Fall Feast Baskets with turkey or a turkey product,

green bean casserole, pumpkin pie, etc.

Cook-out, or Tailgating Basket with a meal you

could cook up on a grill.

Hunter’s Basket, with food the hunter would love

before or after the big hunt to keep him warm.

Be creative with food you would like to see... romantic, game night, Hawaiian, etc.

Any creative idea is fine, as long as it contains the basic complete meal for four.

You can add special items or gifts to your basket if you wish, in keeping with the theme, or to add value and desirability.

Items like; tablecloths, placemats, napkin rings,

candles, wine glasses, aprons, mitts, etc.

Themed items; T-shirts, hats, dolls, flashlights,

BBQ tools - whatever goes with your theme!

Gift items; gift cards, game or event tickets, home

décor, beauty items, etc.

Really, there is no limit!

These items would be in addition to the basic complete meal for four.

That is it! You can really have fun with this and help out with fundraising for St. Martin at the same time, for this is a very popular game at our Fall Festival, and has been a tradition for years!

Thanks for your support!

stmartinforney.org