The staple grocery items distributed at food banks can be used to make a variety of meals. Whether they are being used to stretch other ingredients or make up a whole meal there are a lot of ways to use these items to create balanced nutrition and flavorful additions to your dinner table. Here are five meal ideas utilizing food bank staples.
Tuna Casserole
This easy tuna casserole is made in one pot and uses staples like canned meat, pasta, canned soup, and veggies. Any pasta shape you have works in this meal, although it recommends shells or rotini. For some extra nutrients, you can easily toss in any other vegetables you would like or substitute the tuna for another kind of meat.
Bean Quesadilla
Quesadillas are easy to dress up with pantry staples or enjoy with just cheese. Adding refried beans, black beans, tomatoes, salsa, or chicken can help you get more out of a simple meal with some ingredients you already have.
Chicken Salad Sandwich
This chicken salad recipe is an easy sandwich filling and can be made with just three ingredients: chicken, mayonnaise, and salsa. Optional ways to spice it up include adding seasonings like pepper, garlic powder, or paprika. You could also add diced bell pepper or celery for some crunch.
Taco Rice
This meal comes together all in one pot in around 30 minutes. Combine two 12.5-ounce cans of chicken, 8 ounces of tomato sauce, a can of diced tomatoes, and a can of green chilies in a pot with a packet of taco seasoning and a cup and a half of chicken broth or water. Once the water begins to boil, add a cup of rice and cover until the rice is fully cooked. Then mix in some cheese and serve!
Overnight Oats
Overnight oats are a good source of fiber, protein, and essential vitamins and are super easy to make. Mixing equal parts oats and milk is the base of the recipe. Then you can add whatever additional toppings you would like to change the flavor. Jam, peanut butter, yogurt, and chocolate chips are all popular choices that you might already have. Just mix up your oats and then leave them in the fridge for a few hours and enjoy.
Staple grocery items are staples for a reason but sometimes it can be difficult to find new ways to utilize them. These recipes can be altered to what you have in your pantry and to keep them fresh in your meal rotation.
The One Initiative unites C.R. England and England Logistics in the fight to end childhood hunger. Learn more about the work of the One Initiative at oneagainstchildhoodhunger.com.
