Celebrate National “Canned Food Month” by stocking up on your favorite canned foods with a trip to your local grocery store or a food pantry near you. Choose a variety of canned foods such as fruits, vegetables, sauces, and proteins.
Why canned foods? There are many reasons why canned foods are popular. Fresh fruits and vegetables have specific and short growing seasons. The benefit of canned fruits and vegetables is their availability year round and longer shelf life. Canned foods are super convenient and require little preparation or cook time. They are often less expensive than fresh or frozen varieties and still provide similar nutritional value. Adding canned tomatoes, beans, or other vegetables are a great way to make a meal go farther.
Selecting canned foods:
- When choosing canned foods always check the freshness date and avoid rusted, dented, or bulging cans.
- For canned vegetables, look for low sodium options. You can also reduce some of the sodium by rinsing your canned vegetables.
- For canned fruit, look for fruit canned in 100% fruit juice.
- Read labels to compare nutrition facts and serving sizes and do not forget to compare unit pricing.
Quick and nutritious meals in a SNAP - Grab a box of whole wheat pasta and a can of spaghetti sauce and dinner is ready to eat in twenty minutes. Add canned peaches to your morning oatmeal for a hearty breakfast or canned black beans, corn, and mandarin oranges to your favorite lunchtime salad. For great recipes that utilize canned foods, check out EatSmart Recipes. For a quick snack, we recommend the savory Cowboy Caviar dip. For a twist of canned chicken, the Chicken Power Wrap is sure to please. And, for something sweet, you might enjoy this tasty Peach Cobbler.
For more ways to incorporate canned foods into your meals, click on one of these five helpful links.
- Tomatoes 5 Ways
- Beans 5 Ways
- Canned Chicken & Fish 5 Ways
- Canned Vegetables 5 Ways
- Canned Fruit 5 Ways
