Quarantine Kitchen - Budget-friendly pantry staples

COVID has changed the way many of us eat. In some cases, the pandemic has created shortages of some goods because of panic buying and supply chain disruption. It has also prompted the shuttering of restaurants and other food outlets, except for curbside service. Some may live where grocery delivery or pickup services are available, a great alternative to traditional store shopping in times when social distancing is encouraged. Others may need to rely on corner markets or dollar stores, where limited selection of canned, dry, and frozen foods are available but no fresh produce. 

What do I prepare for my family to eat using the food supplies available? 

Many of us have to learn or relearn how to rely on our own cooking skills using what we have in the pantry. If the pantry needs restocking, we have guides on what to purchase to provide nutritious meals for the family, including meal plans and recipes matched to the pantry content guides.  

We have all you need to know to stock your pantry with  nutritious canned, dry or frozen foods, recipes to prepare using those foods (including cooking for one or two), and menus for vegetarians and  persons with diabetes.

Download your pantry staples  list

Grocery run shopping lists and menu plans 

Grocery run - shopping list for two weeks and a two-week menu kit.

 We also have a diabetic vegetarian menus.

Our recipes are adapted from the following sources:  SNAP-ED Connection Recipe Finder. Commodity Supplemental Food Program Cookbook, Recipe adapted from Maryland FSNE 2009 Recipe Calendar, USDA Recipes and Tips for Healthy, Thrifty Meals and USDA FNS, Distribution Division, 2009.

Quarantine kitchen recipe collection: 

• 3-Can Chili
  
• Apple Cherry Cinnamon Oatmeal
• Bean Nacho Dip
• Beef and Tomato Skillet
• Bran Flake Muffins
• Breakfast Rice with Apples
• Brunswick Stew
• California Potato Medley
• Chicken Rice Soup
• Cinnamon Oatmeal Pancakes
• Classic Mac n' Cheese (made with eggs, onions)
• Dutch Apple Yogurt
• Energy Snack Mix
• Farina Dumplings and Stew
• Full of Beans Hot Dish
• Green Bean and Tuna Salad
• Italian Style Vegetables
• Mac n' Cheese (with broccoli)
• Oven Crispy Chicken
• Pizza Meat Loaf
• Pocket Fruit Pies
• Pumpkin and White Bean soup
• Rainbow Veggie Salad
• Rice Dessert
• Salmon Chowder
• Shepherd's Pie
• Skillet Lasagna
• Southern Rice and Beans
• Spaghetti Bake
• Sweet Potato Patties

Your quarantine kitchen pantry can be adapted for mostly meatless meals too. Find out how.

We have recipes too!

• Bean and Corn Chili
• Black-eyed Pea Salad
• Cheesy Tuna Mac
• Creamy Pasta Salad
• Red Bean Soup
• Three-bean chili
• Tuna and Rice Patties
• Vegetable Cheese Soup
• Peanut Butter-Banana Breakfast Muffins