What do you have in your store cupboard?

Butterfly_Brain

How about a meat box from a local butcher, she will not be able to afford meat so that would be a nice gift , I also like the idea of a luxury hamper

sulkisu

It's a lovely idea , the only problem as I see it, is that store cupboard items are usually the things that everybody already has in the cupboard. It's the perishables such as fruit, vegetables, meat and bread that I would be without and unable to purchase if I was suddenly without cash. When my friend was in a similar situation - her case the company went into receivership overnight - I bought meat and chicken for her freezer.

bossymoo

What a smashing idea, you could make it more hamper-like and less food parcel-like.

I too would get a few of the more costly bits, things that can be used as ingredients. Sounds like she may have a well stocked store anyway!

You sound like a lovely friend!

Ps just a thought, does she have kids? If I were made redundant I'd happily forgo treats if someone would give a little something to treat the kiddies instead - maybe a gingerbread mix and some cutters or something?

bagpussbear

Lovely idea. Thinking about what I keep in, and what I would put together for her would be (sorry some are the same as what others have listed already!)

Tinned Tomatoes
Tomato Puree
Oxo cubes
Soups (sachets or tins)
Packet mixes
Kidney Beans
Tuna
Tins Corned Beef and Ham
Bottles of chopped garlic and onion (in case she doesn't have fresh in)
Stuffing
Pasta
Rice
Gravy Granules
Tins of chilli con carne, eg. hot tinned meals she could warm up on the stove.
Jam
Stir in sauces for pasta (eg. Dolmio)
Sweetcorn
Tinned potatoes
Tinned Veg

and agree maybe a couple of luxury items would be a nice touch too.

purpleivy

I would be more in favour of some luxury items as well. When my niece was really hard up, my sis suggested a christmas hamper with the things she didn't regularly have Heinz ketchup and tomato soup, rather than own label, nice biscuits and cake, golden syrup and a box of custard so she could make pudding! you get the idea.
Other posters had good ideas on this front too.

bluebag

Would a shopping voucher be useful, maybe in a small card with a happy job hunting wish, would help her get what she really needs.