With a busy schedule and a hungry family, how can you make the most of your time and still eat well? These fast and delicious meal and snack ideas will help fill you and your family up with nutrient dense foods, even when you’re short on time. 

When you have less than 30 minutes 

Only have 15 or 20 minutes to enjoy a meal together before running out the door or up to bedtime? Even if it’s just for a few minutes, taking the time to connect over a meal is a healthy habit. Keep it simple on weeknights with these quick and customizable bowls: 

• Soup and sandwich—think grilled cheese and tomato soup, tuna sandwich with minestrone soup, or a bowl of a hearty beef stew with warm rolls. 
• Craving sweet? Hit the pantry and fridge. Encourage family members to customize and combine yogurt or hot, instant oatmeal with fruit, nuts, and seeds for a quick and nutritious sweet bowl. 
• Use previously batch cooked ingredients like brown rice, chicken, roasted veggies, canned beans and top with Pace salsa, plain Greek yogurt, and cheese for an easy DIY bowl. 

When it’s too early (or too late) for a whole meal 

Are after-school and work activities forcing an early dinner when you’re not hungry yet? Instead of skipping a meal or grazing on random handfuls of food, stock up on some hearty and nutritious snacks. Create a snacking station with fruits, veggies, whole grains, and protein options to fuel your family with nutrient dense foods. Here are some foods to consider:  

• Fresh cut vegetables and fruit from the fridge, paired with a yogurt-based dip   
• Whole grain tortilla chips with salsa & beans 
• Whole wheat crackers, hummus, and cheese 
• 100% vegetable juice and hard-boiled eggs 
• Pacific Foods Organic Plant-Based Chili
• Popcorn and nuts
• Canned fruit with cottage cheese 

When grab-n-go is your only option 

There are days when eating on the run is unavoidable. Make the most of your time by planning for simple, travel-friendly foods.  

• Reheat previous dinners that you doubled (cook once, eat twice). This Hearty Veggie Beef Chili is perfect for a thermos and can help you handle different schedules. 
• Try this recipe for Big Batch Flank Steak with Creamy Chimichurri Sauce on a weekend, then save half the recipe for a busy weeknight and you can enjoy Chimichurri Steak Wraps on the go. 
• Keep mason jar salads ready to go in the fridge. 
• Stock up on sipping soups, paired with another grab-n-go option like nuts or a banana. 

Even when your schedule is hectic, a little thoughtful planning and creativity can help you connect with loved ones and fuel your body with delicious, wholesome foods. 

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