Produce Lists & Recipes

Tuna Casserole:
- This comforting recipe is made with canned tuna, macaroni noodles, peas, cream of chicken, cheese, and milk. This easy, nutritious recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and comes together quickly for a comforting meal.
Chicken Quesadillas:
- These quesadillas are a quick and nutritious meal idea that uses canned chicken, canned tomatoes, cheese, and whole wheat tortillas. These quesadillas are versatile and can be made with your favorite beans or vegetables - canned corn and canned black beans are great options!

🥕 Meat-Free Recipes

Delicious, filling recipes perfect for vegetarians or anyone looking to stretch their grocery dollars.

7 Can Chili:
- This comforting chili is filled with beans, corn, tomatoes, peas, and carrots — an affordable, comforting recipe that comes together in one pot and is packed with fiber and vitamins to support a healthy, satisfying meal.
Lentil Spaghetti:
- This hearty lentil spaghetti combines lentils and pasta in a flavorful tomato sauce—an affordable, comforting meal that’s packed with plant-based protein and fiber to help keep you full and satisfied.

🍌 Dessert Recipes

Simple sweet treats using in-season fruits and common pantry ingredients.

Apple and Peanut Butter Energy Balls:
- These no-bake energy bites combine oats, peanut butter, applesauce, and pecans to provide fiber and healthy fats, making them a satisfying snack to help keep you energized between meals. Try making them at the beginning of the week to have a nutritious snack on hand all week!
Yogurt Fruit Pops:
- This fruity yogurt blend mixes pineapple and orange juice with creamy vanilla yogurt for a sweet, refreshing snack that’s quick to prepare and easy to enjoy. Make ahead and store in the freezer for a grab-and-go snack!

Recipes from Our Nutrition Classes

Each month, our Nutrition Education team shares recipes in our classes that are easy, affordable, and made with ingredients you might already have in your pantry.

🍴Here’s what we’ve been cooking together this month:

Apple Pie Yogurt Parfaits:
- These apple pie yogurt parfaits combine cinnamon apples with creamy vanilla Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of granola for a balanced snack — a simple, nourishing option that feels comforting while providing protein and fiber.
Cheesy Pinto Beans:
- These cheesy pinto beans bring together canned pinto beans, garlic, spices, and cheddar cheese for a comforting, budget-friendly dish — packed with protein and fiber to help keep you full. Pair these beans with rice, tortilla chips, or vegetables for a balanced and nourishing snack!
Black Bean and Corn Salad
- This fresh black bean and corn salad mixes sweet corn, hearty black beans, crisp vegetables, and a zesty lime dressing for a bright, flavorful dish — a fiber-rich, protein-packed recipe using affordable pantry staples. This recipe is very versatile and can be adjusted to your liking!
Elote (Mexican Corn in a Cup):
- This flavorful, healthier take on classic elote is made with sweet corn tossed in a tangy yogurt-mayo sauce, Parmesan, lime, and a hint of chili and spices — a simple, low-prep recipe that works with canned, frozen, or fresh corn and comes together in less than 10 minutes!

Interested in hosting a nutrition education class? Please reach out to Kathryn Clanton at kathrync@bvfb.org.

Recipe Collections

Each recipe collection below highlights a common pantry ingredient and shows how it can be used in several simple, healthy, and affordable recipes. These collections are designed to give practical ideas for everyday meals using ingredients often found in food pantries.