Hi Suze,
You're awesome. I'm sure the family you're helping is ever thankful.
I don't think dried potatoes (or even fresh ones) could replace rice for Filipinos. We were brought up eating rice for breakfast, lunch and supper. Some people are having it for merienda (snacks) in between meals. And as most Filipino would say, a meal is not a meal without rice.
If you are really decided to send a balikbayan box, the canned goods you mentioned are really good, and that would give you much value for what you have to pay for the shipment. Whatever you send, it's the thought that counts anyways.
Chickens feet?? It's not that bad really! Just part of the delicacies?? My dad is not allowing us to eat these sort of street foods, but me and my brothers are sneaking in to the nearest bbq to get chickens feet and betamax (pigs blood in squares). They're tasty!![]()