The ABC cake is created with the thought that everyone may not have access to every ingredient.  So, the chefs of the ABC Kitchen created cakes using only one 12 oz can of soda and a cake mix, and had independent taste testers approve.

What flavors can you create? 

Cooking time ranged from 22 to 33 minutes at  350  degrees Fahrenheit. 

Adults should closely monitor the baking.

• PUPCAKE  = Chocolate cake + rootbeer 
• SPRITE-ETTI = Funfetti (white cake withsprinkles) + Sprite 
• LEMON-LIGHT = Lemon cake + Sprite 
• GRAPE-BERRY = Strawberry cake + grapeFanta 
• KINDNESS = Devil’s food cake + coke
• GINGER = Ginger spice cake + ginger ale
• SPRINGTIME = White Strawberry cake +root beer  
• DREAMY = White cake + orange
• PARTYTIME= Funfetti cake + Dr. Pepper 

Dear food pantry,

Hello. My name is Meeka, and I'm excited to share with you a project of mine that I believe makes a positive impact on the emotional health of food pantry customers in the community. Through my own volunteer work at local food pantries, I've gained a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by individuals and families struggling with food insecurity. 

One experience that has stayed with me was one day when I volunteered at a food pantry, I was shocked by the large number of people seeking assistance. As I left, I reflected on how blessed I am to have food security.  I have food at home.  I have food anytime I need it.  I even have food when I just want to eat. I have enough food that if I am full, I throw the rest away. That specific food pantry memory has lingered, and I frequently think of the parents and children I met. The looks in their eyes stuck with me, and I wondered: do children who face food insecurity get to experience the joy of a special family celebration on their birthday? 

This question has driven me to develop a solution: “A Birthday Celebration / ABC”. I firmly believe that everyone deserves to be celebrated on their special day, and I eagerly work to make this a reality for those who may not have the means to do so otherwise. By providing a sense of recognition, I hope to make a positive impact on the emotional well-being of our communities.

• “A Birthday Celebration” is intended to bring joy to a family experiencing food insecurity on their child’s birthday
• ABC can be requested at a family’s local food pantry
• The ABC gift can be used for other family celebrations; it is adaptable to provide fun moments that may otherwise be missed when a family doesn't have the means to spend the extra money that day
• Members of a family spending a birthday at a Children’s Hospital, may miss a celebration because of a child or sibling's circumstance. ABC boxes are also useful to these situations  

What is included in “A Birthday Celebration”?  The goal is for each ABC gift to contain similar items.  An example ABC gift contains the following:

• Cake mix
• Icing
• Balloons (note these are latex and should only be used while supervised by adults)
• A color yourself birthday card
• Plates
• Napkins
• Can of soda
• One FUN ITEM (examples are a small notebook, a stuffed animal, a book, a yo-yo, a Hot Wheels car, inflatable beach ball, etc).

The ABC gifts vary based on what I have to spend and what shopping I am able to do

•  Sometimes, the items are from Dollar Tree. Usually, Dollar General sells the cake and icing
• Other times, the WOW item is more significant, like a Scholastic book, Disney toy, or Squish Mellow
• I spend anywhere from $5-35 per box. This is my own money I have earned working. My project is not a 501C, but if you are interested in helping me provide more or better gifts this month, donations are appreciated
• For simplicity, the boxed cake mix can be made with one 12 ounce can of soda instead of oil and eggs.   A list of substitution ingredients is inside the ABC box. 

If you are involved in the community's charitable giving at a food pantry, ask yourself how many “A Birthday Celebration” blessing boxes do you think you would need in a month?  How do you want to receive donations for the items? 

Contact form above.  

Thank you