Simply Joyful & The Little Free Pantry

04/20/2026

See you tomorrow for coffee.....

Coffee for a Cause ☕✨

Tuesday, April 21st | 7 AM–10:30 AM
Sutton Community Home Circle Drive

Featuring: Pour Horse Coffee Trailer-York🐴
Supporting Sutton Community Home! 💛

04/09/2026

Ok, now it's your turn!

We had some extra items from our pantry that we could share so we added that along with a trip to Brown’s Grocery Store with my friend Teresa. It made for a fun afternoon (they play the best music inside Brown's...don't they?) of hanging out and helping the Clay County Food Pantry . Win/win!

04/08/2026

There is something really special happening in Sutton right now ❤️

Friesen Chevrolet Inc. is collecting donations all month long for the Clay County Food Pantry (click on the link and give them a follow!!) AND Brown’s Grocery Store just dropped an ad FULL of deals that make it so easy to help.

So here’s your Simply Joyful plan…
👉 Go to Brown’s
👉 Grab a few of these SALE items
👉 Drop them off at Friesen’s

Done. That’s it. That’s how we show up.

Now let’s talk about what’s actually on sale that would be AMAZING for the pantry:

🥫 Protein (these are HUGE wins)
Best Choice canned chicken
StarKist chicken pouches
👉 Protein is one of the hardest things for families to afford

🍝 Meal builders (turn a few items into dinner)
Pasta (Creamette/American Beauty)
Tomato sauce
Mac & cheese cups
Knorr rice or pasta sides

🍲 Ready-to-eat meals
Spaghettios (4/$5 🙌)
Ramen / cup noodles
👉 These are lifesavers for quick meals

🥣 Breakfast basics
Kellogg’s cereal
Muffin mix
👉 Easy meals for kids before school

🥜 Staples that stretch
Crackers (saltines)
Rice Krispies
Peanut butter (if you see it on your trip!)
👉 Staples make such a difference for meal planning

🥫 Canned & pantry items
Pizza sauce
Baking soda
Seasonings
👉 These help people actually cook with what they receive

🥤 Drinks & extras
Capri Sun
Sunny D
👉 Sounds small, but these are a BIG deal for families with kids

🍓 Fresh items (yes, these matter too!)
Apples
Potatoes (2/$5!)
Tomatoes
👉 Fresh food is such a gift when it’s available

Here’s the heart of it…
You don’t have to spend a lot.
Even $5–$10 can fill a bag with these sale items.

And when a whole town does that?
That’s when something really powerful happens.

Let’s fill those donation boxes at Friesen’s 💛

I know this town… and I know we’re about to show up big.

I'm headed to Brown’s this afternoon to fill a few bags!

04/08/2026

Simply Joyful & The Little Free Pantry Update 💛

Well, life hit pause for a minute....

I had my surgery and I’m recovering slowly but surely. I’m doing okay, just moving a little slower than I’d like and learning (again) that I’m not quite as invincible as I sometimes think I am. My next appointment is on the 22nd, where they’ll remove stitches and hopefully clear me to get back to doing more.

Because of that, there won’t be any Simply Joyful meals in April 😞

Trust me, that part is just as hard on me (honestly, probably harder) as it is on some of you. I miss being in the kitchen, feeding people, and doing my thing.

But, this is just a pause, not a stop.

On a really exciting note, I’ve started writing articles for the Clay County News, which has been such a fun and meaningful creative outlet for me. Turns out I still have a lot to say (shocking, I know 😉) AND Simply Joyful is now officially a Sutton Chamber of Commerce Member! How's that for exciting and official??

And the best part…

The Little Free Pantry is SO stocked right now!!
Like, open-the-door-and-smile stocked. There are treats, bread, meal ingredients, hygiene items and soooooo much more.

Please, please use it.

This is what it’s there for. No hesitation, no questions, no guilt. If you need a little help, it’s yours. If you know someone who does, send them.

If you want to pick up a few things for someone who might need a little pick-me-up… do it 💛

This pantry belongs to all of us. For those who don't know, its at 103 W Laurel in Sutton.

Thank you for always supporting me, cheering me on, and showing up for this little dream of mine. I’ll be back soon… probably a little slower, maybe a little wiser… but definitely still cooking 💛

03/25/2026

You guys…look at this...

The Little Free Pantry is FULL right now 🥹

Like…cereal for days kind of full. Easy breakfasts, handled.

But wait…there’s more 👀

Canned green beans, corn, carrots, pasta sauce, soups, ramen, rice, mac & cheese, peanut butter, fruit, snacks, and even drinks. It’s one of those moments where you can actually come and shop the pantry a little.

And here’s the part that matters most…
we don’t have to know you to love you.

You don’t have to explain anything.
You don’t have to be “struggling enough.”
You don’t have to prove anything.

Everyone deserves to feel taken care of…even if it’s just a couple boxes of cereal, a can of soup, or something small to get you through the day.

Because sometimes it’s not about the amount.

it’s about knowing someone thought of you. Someone cared. Someone made sure there was something here, just in case you needed it.

So if you need it, it’s yours. No questions, no judgment. Just take what helps your family.

And if you don’t need it right now, share this with someone who might.

This is what love looks like in a small town 💛

103 West Laurel St in Sutton.

03/22/2026

🚨 SALAD PEOPLE… THIS IS YOUR FRIENDLY (BUT SERIOUS) REMINDER 🚨

Tomorrow morning is the cutoff for this week’s Simply Joyful Oriental Chicken Salad 🥢🥬

And every single week… without fail…
I get the “Did I miss it?? 😭” messages.

So this is me… saving you from that heartbreak 😂

These salads are LOADED (like… we’re gently pressing the lids down and hoping for the best 🙈) with chicken, crunch, and that dressing that somehow disappears way too fast.

👉 Delivery/Pickup: Wednesday 10:00–12:00
👉 If you ordered on Facebook or Text Message, you’re already on my list ✔️
👉 If not… now is your moment!

BUT let’s make this fun 👇

💬 Comment “ME” if you want one
🥢 Comment “CRUNCH” if that’s your favorite part
🥗 Comment “DRESSING” if you’re here for that liquid gold

AND…

🙌 If you’ve ALREADY ordered, comment “DONE” so I can show you some love (and so everyone else knows this is the place to be 😉)

👯‍♀️ Tag a friend who needs lunch this week
(Or someone who owes you one… this feels like a fair trade)

💛 If you share this post, comment “SHARED” so I can thank you…
I’ll pick one of you to get a little extra surprise tucked into your order!

You all seriously make this so much fun for me… now let’s see who’s paying attention 👀

03/18/2026

Friends,

Next week’s Simply Joyful offering is one of my all-time favorites… Oriental Chicken Salad 🥗

These are loaded up with tender chicken, crisp fresh veggies, crunchy toppings, and that sweet, tangy dressing that just pulls everything together in the best way. It’s light, filling, and one of those meals that makes you feel like you made a really good life choice.

And fair warning… these are always SUPER full. Like, we’re gently pressing the lids down and hoping for the best kind of full 😅

These will be $14 each and made fresh for you.

Orders are due by Monday at 9:00 AM
Delivery will be Wednesday between 10:00 and 12:00.

Just message me or comment below and I’ll get you on the list 💛

Also, just a quick note… this will be my last Simply Joyful offering for a little bit as I’ll be having surgery the following week. I’ll be taking a few weeks off to recover and heal properly so I can come back strong 💛 I’ll have some restrictions afterward like no lifting, twisting, or long prep days, so I want to make sure I give my body the time it needs.

During this time, we’re also starting to look at how we can expand the Little Free Pantry… because truthfully, it’s just getting too small for what our community needs. We’re hoping to find a larger cabinet (or have one built....cheap!) so we can serve more people and keep it better stocked. If you happen to know of one or have ideas, I’d love to hear them.

Thank you, always, for supporting this little dream of mine. It truly means more than you know.
Diane 💛

03/17/2026

Friends,

Today the Little Free Pantry by Simply Joyful is extra full… and my heart is too.

We are so blessed to have been able to fill these shelves with the things people truly need. There are canned vegetables like green beans, tuna and salmon, soups, peanut butter, potatoes, pears, rice, ramen, cereal, crackers, pasta, and other pantry staples that can actually turn into real meals for a family. You’ll also see canned fruit and other items that help round out a meal or give kids something simple and sweet.

And this time it’s not just food.

There are toiletries and household essentials too. Things like toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, toothpaste, soap, razors, and cleaning supplies. The kinds of everyday items that can quietly strain a budget but are absolutely necessary for a family.

And yes… there are treats too.

Our friends at our local Casey's stopped by with a bunch of fun treats and drinks to share. Those little things matter more than people realize. Sometimes a snack for a kid or something sweet after dinner can make a hard week feel just a little bit brighter.

But Casey’s wasn’t the only kindness that showed up.

Several of your neighbors quietly brought over donations as well. Amazing things. Food that helps make meals, items families truly use, and supplies that help keep a home running. They didn’t bring them because anyone asked… they brought them because they care about this pantry and they care about the people who use it.

And honestly… that means a lot to me too.

This isn’t the kind of donation where someone cleaned out the back of their cupboards and dropped off things they didn’t want anymore.

This is the good stuff.

This is the kind of food you can actually cook with. The kind of pantry items that help stretch a budget. The kind of things that help get a family through the week.

And I want you to hear this part straight from my heart.....

If you are having a tight week…
If groceries ran out before payday…
If something unexpected came up…
If you’re trying to stretch what you have just a little bit further…

Please come.

You don’t need to explain anything. You don’t need to feel embarrassed. This pantry was created for moments exactly like that. I truly want you to open the door, take what helps your family, and walk away feeling just a little lighter.

Take what you need to make a meal.
Grab a treat for your kids.
Pick up a few household items that help your home run a little easier.
Share it with a friend who might need a little help too.

If you need a larger haul of groceries, The Bread Box is a wonderful resource in our community and they can help with bigger needs. But this pantry is here to help hold you over and make sure the next couple of days are a little easier.

More than anything, when you open that door I hope you feel something bigger than just food on a shelf.

I hope you feel cared for.
I hope you feel supported.
I hope you feel loved.

Because no one should feel hunger in a community like ours.

With love,
Diane
Simply Joyful 💛

03/12/2026

Holy cow! Who knew you all wanted "bowls"??? Salads are great but you're right, this is the time of year where something a little heartier feels super good! Don't worry, salads are coming right back though.

Next week’s Simply Joyful meal is Chicken Pot Pie Comfort Bowls.

Before anyone asks….no, it’s not an actual chicken pot pie with crust. Think of it more like all the best parts of a pot pie, just served in a cozy bowl that reheats perfectly.

Each bowl starts with creamy mashed potatoes and is topped with a rich chicken pot pie style filling made with shredded chicken, carrots, celery, onion, peas, garlic, herbs, and a thick, comforting gravy. It’s hearty, homemade comfort food without the crust.

And here’s the little bonus… these bowls are gluten free, but you would honestly never know it. Same flavor, same comfort, just made in a way that works for more people.

Bowls are $13 each, and as always this is a fundraiser for the Little Free Pantry, helping keep it stocked for anyone in our community who may need a little extra support.

Orders need to be in by Monday at 9:00 PM
Delivery will be Wednesday between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM

If you’d like one (or a few), just comment or send me a message and I’ll add you to the list.

Cooking for you all truly fills my soul, and every bowl helps keep the pantry shelves full. 💛

03/10/2026

Well, apparently it’s time for a quick little update.

Someone reported me…..again…..for making food.

Rather than let rumors swirl or people wonder what’s going on, I reached out and spoke directly with the appropriate people (and since your complaint was "anonymous", they will follow up with you directly). Because what I’m doing is a fundraiser for the Little Free Pantry, permits are not required and everything I’m doing is completely fine.

But this also feels like a good opportunity to explain something that maybe people don’t realize.

When I sell meals, by the time I’ve purchased ingredients, containers, packaging, made trips out of town to shop, paid for gas, and covered all the little things that add up along the way… there honestly isn’t much left over.

And that’s okay.

I have been filling that pantry out of my pocket because I believe no one in our community should go without basic food or hygiene items. The meals I sell simply help offset some of those costs so the pantry can keep helping people. Heck, I even lowered the prices of the meals to make them more affordable so I make even less per meal.

The truth is, cooking for people fills my soul. I’ve spent most of my life feeding people in one way or another, and it’s something that brings me real joy. As long as I come out ahead enough to keep buying supplies and keep that pantry stocked, then every grocery trip and every late night in the kitchen is worth it.

Many people also don’t realize that some of those meals don't get sold. Quite often they get handed to someone who needs one but can’t afford it. If someone is hungry, I feed them. If someone needs a "I see you" moment, I suprise them with a meal. It’s really that simple.

Every container of food, every ingredient, every bit of effort behind this has the same purpose… making sure that when someone walks up to that pantry, there is something there for them.

And the response from this community has been incredible. The people who order meals, share the posts, donate items, or quietly drop things into the pantry are the reason it works.

So thank you. Truly.

And to the person who felt the need to report it…...everything has now been clarified and confirmed (AGAIN) to be perfectly fine. I sincerely hope you, or anyone you love, never has to experience the stress of wondering where your next meal will come from. But if that day ever does come, for you or someone you care about, the Little Free Pantry will still be there.

The meals will continue, for now. Being turned in twice.....it hurts, even when I know what I'm doing is fine.

The pantry will continue to be stocked.

And the people who rely on it will continue to be taken care of.

Because at the end of the day, this community has always been full of far more people who want to help than people who want to complain. And those are the people I’ll keep focusing on. 💛