but I never do find your diaries until late. I'm such a laggard.

::sigh::

But two things I wanted to touch on...

One really great product that would be awesome to send to those in such harsh conditions are Lara Bars. They are actually nutritious (even providing a serving of fruit) without additives and preservatives yet are a filling treat. I've been shocked by how tasty they are with each new flavor (or even all anew when I just treat myself to my fave).

Or perhaps Erin Baker's Breakfast Cookies (breakfast and cookie are misleading as these are pretty wholesome even if tasty snacks), especially the vegan versions (though it seems they have lots of other products that would be appropriate as well also with no preservatives or hydrogenated fats nor High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS).

Both snacks are pretty decent as snacks go (as well as really yummy) and can be eaten by lots of different special diets (especially the Lara Bar which is not just vegan but gluten-free and corn-free also) as well as those without special diets (don't have to be vegetarian to eat veggies). :)

From other posts of mine (for Pretty Bird Woman House)

LÄRABAR is a delicious blend of unsweetened fruits, nuts and spices - energy in its purest form. Made from 100% whole food, each flavor contains no more than six ingredients. Pure and simple, just as nature intended.

^{1 SERVING OF FRUIT * NO ADDED SUGAR * UNPROCESSED
RAW * NON-GMO * GLUTEN FREE * DAIRY FREE * SOY FREE
VEGAN * KOSHER}

Corn-free as well! This would cover a lot of special diets while excluding few and being reasonably healthy.

And no, I don't have any interest in the company other than to have received a few samples at a Veg Fest and been surprised at how remarkably yummy they are. That they have so few ingredients and those are healthy is a super bonus.

...

They also seem to be a responsible independent company (meaning not beholden to Wal-Street and therefore the Republican masters):

Where does the cocoa in LÄRABAR come from?

We source our cocoa from farmers and communities that support sustainability and Fair Trade, which ensures workers are treated with dignity and protects against forced labor and child labor abuses.

And for PBWH they seem to be ideal:

How can a raw product have such a long shelf life?

We use a multi-layer package that keeps out UV light and oxygen, which, in turn, maintains freshness without the use of preservatives.

What is the shelf life of LÄRABAR?

12 months

Will a LÄRABAR freeze or melt?

No. LÄRABAR will become softer in warm temperatures and firmer in cold temperatures, but, in either case, it will remain chewy and enjoyable.

The cookies seem to be a good choice too being nutrient (versus calorie) dense with high fiber and protein but also still a treat.

It really chaps me that our service members aren't provided with good and healthy food at all times and they have to rely on others to send it to them.

...

The other thing is that there seems to be pressure to *stuff* a box to the gills but I bet some people would like to send a few things (what they can) yet feel inadequate to provide as much as others (or all on the list) so may not send at all. I know that's how I felt till I gave myself a good talking to last night. A box of Lara bars (and a card) would be better than no Lara bars...

~~~~

It's a wonderful thing you have been doing and I hope you continue even after the holidays as the need doesn't end (and in fact there is a very vulnerable period of letdown then) and there ought to be a lot of unwanted gifts that could use a better home...

Thanks Ninepatch!