Local Flavor: Bean suppers and reusable bags that support Saco Food Pantry

Saturday night bean suppers are a longstanding New England tradition.

Centuries ago, Puritan settlers were introduced to beans by indigenous people, according to the New England Historical Society. The Puritans didn’t want to work on the Sabbath, so they baked beans for their Saturday night supper, and on Sunday ate the leftovers from the still-warm oven, according to the New England Historical Society.

Locally, the tradition of the Saturday night bean supper is being carried out by Saco Grange 53 at 168 North St. Saco. The next dinner is being held this weekend.

Saco Grange Hall Bean Supper:

Saturday, Oct. 1 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Menu includes homemade kidney and pea beans, brown bread, red and beef hotdogs, American chop suey, coleslaw, hot biscuits, pies and hot and cold beverages.  Dinners are $10 per person and take out is available. For more information email Sacogrange53@gmail.com or call 207-831-5784.

Help fight hunger

During the month of October, buy a reusable shopping bag at Shaw’s or Hannaford and support the Saco Food Panty. One dollar from the sale of each “Give Back Where it Counts” reusable bag at Shaw’s and “Fight Hunger Bag” at Hannaford will go to the pantry.

In August, the Saco Food Pantry, located at 67 Ocean Park Road, served 251 families, or 681 individuals.

Liz Gotthelf is the publisher of Saco Bay News. She also loves to eat – and support local businesses. If you have any local restaurant or food news, she’d love to hear from you. Send her an email at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.