School is out and summer mode is in. For families with older children, this probably means more shopping, a busier kitchen, and food disappearing at a faster pace. Even more so if kids are home all day. It helps to have nutritious and convenient foods on hand that they can prepare with little effort, time, or mess.
Summer Shopping List
Stock the house with versatile ingredients that come together as different dishes. Then remind your children to look beyond the chips and snacks to enjoy satisfying meals instead. It’s helpful to have some affordable, Guiding Stars earning frozen or prepared meals on hand. Build your shopping list with these goals in mind, so your refrigerator and pantry are stocked with items that easily come together as balanced meals.
- Frozen Foods: meat balls, chicken tenders, plant-based chicken tenders, plant-based breakfast sausage, and other Guiding Stars earning options
- Convenient Proteins: eggs, nut or seeds (or nut or seed butters), Greek yogurt, tofu, no-salt added lunch meats, and protein-rich oatmeal or pancakes
- Easy Fresh Veggies: mini sweet bell peppers, grape tomatoes, mini cucumbers, sugar snap peas, baby carrots, pre-washed greens
- Packaged Veggies, Grains, and More: microwave grain or bean pouches, frozen steam-in-bag edamame or veggies
- Add-Ons: variety of sauces, dressings, and spices that bring unique flavors to simple dishes
- No-Sugar-Added Beverages: flavored seltzers, water, low- or non-fat milk, and other Guiding Stars earning options
Can It Go in the Toaster Oven? Air Fryer?
Go for an ingredient prep approach so kids can create the bowl or plate they want. Maybe it’s putting extra food on the grill to use for “nextovers,” slicing fresh veggies, or making more than you need for one meal. When these prepped ingredients are on hand, along with convenient packaged products, you’re just steps away from a kid-friendly meal.
- Pico de Gallo + leftover chicken + beans + diced avocado + rice = a take on this Chicken Fajita Bowl
- Rice paper wrappers + leftover veggies + leftover protein (optional) = a take on these Spring Rolls
- Lettuce + veggies + salsa + avocado + leftover chicken + tortilla chips = a take on this Salad
- Leftover pasta + cooked veggies + parmesan cheese + olive oil + spices = a take on this Pasta
- Pico de Gallo + corn (leftover or frozen) + beans + cheese + tortillas = a take on these Quesadillas
- Bagged cabbage + microwaved veggies + air-fried tofu + salad dressing = a take on this Teriyaki Tofu
Gentle Reminder
You may notice that it’s hard to keep your kitchen stocked or that food is disappearing quicker than expected. If so, ask your kids how they’re approaching their meals during the day. Explore if they may be turning to snacks due to boredom or out of habit. This is especially important if they’re home alone during the day or don’t have much to keep them busy.