This isn’t exactly how we imagined finishing out National Nutrition Month. There’s no denying that this is a tough time for families across the Commonwealth. Like us, your everyday routine has been completely changed. Whether you’re social distancing or quarantined completely, we’re here to share ways you can keep nutrition a priority on your table.
Prioritize fresh produce, and look for local (if you’re able)
This section applies to those who are healthy and not caring for a sick loved one. When you do safely visit the grocery store, use a sanitation wipe on your cart, keep a six-foot distance between you and others, and head for the produce section. Now that spring is just around the corner, you may find more options that usual, especially from local producers. If incorporating fresh salads into lunch and dinner has been your goal, or you want to include your kids more when making meals, now is the time to start or give your go-to salad recipe a nutrition boost! Here are a few of our favorite recipes:
Also, be sure to check out this FNP blog post on how to build a better pantry with refrigerated foods.
Stretch your food budget
FNP has great resources to ensure you’re getting the most out of your grocery budget. If you plan to use SNAP/EBT benefits for your shopping trip, check to see if your local grocery store or market is a part of the Virginia Fresh Match program. By using SNAP or EBT at checkout, you can get your fresh produce purchase matched up to a certain dollar amount. This could mean that you can buy $20 worth of fresh produce for $10, but each location has their own matching limit. Remember to call the grocery store or market before you go to make sure they are open or operating on limited hours.
Last, take this opportunity to teach your kids how to safely wash and store fresh produce, and how to handle other perishable foods. While you’re there, check out more posts from our new Kids’ Blog.
Shelf-stable meals
Get the most out of your meals and make a few from ingredients that store well. These meals are made from canned vegetables (make sure you rinse them, or choose low-sodium options), use reconstituted nonfat dried milk as a substitute for fresh, or are no cook recipes. Here are a few recipes to get you started:
Know that the team at FNP is here to help you in any way we can. Leave a comment with your questions, and be sure to follow us on social media for more updates! Wash your hands, continue social distancing, and stay healthy!