Meal Planning doesn’t have to be a daunting task. When planning meals, involve your family and turn it into an activity. Family meal planning ensures dietary needs are considered and reduces the likelihood that your food dollars will be wasted. Here are some ideas to get the entire family involved in the meal planning process:

1. Clip pictures of meals from grocery store advertisements, newspapers, or magazines. Collect the photos and create a “Meal Inspiration Vision Board” for current and future meals.
2. Center meal creation around pantry items, noodles, rice, or other staples, and brainstorm what can be created.
3. Assign categories of meals such as vegetarian, soup, pasta, quick preparation, etc. to days of the week and get creative!
4. Who can create the most appetizing meal while sticking to a certain dollar amount? This activity may involve using printed or online sale advertisements and calculators.
5. Assign each member one of the following: breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack/dessert or a food group: protein, dairy, vegetables, fruit, and grains. Once complete, share and combine for your weekly menu!

More In My Basket offers a Versatile Pantry session that focuses on creating a stocked pantry, developing a three-day food supply, and creating meals from common pantry staples. Contact the North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Alleghany County Center at 336-372-5597 to learn more. For questions about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or to receive application assistance, contact the More In My Basket staff:

Visit: morefood.org
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