Navigating the busy school year schedule can be a challenge, especially when it comes to managing mealtimes for the whole family. With school, work, extracurricular activities, and social commitments, it’s essential to have effective meal planning strategies to save time and enjoy delicious meals together. Here are some tips to become an after-school mealtime hero while also giving back to communities in need.
- Ace Your Grocery Trip Make your grocery shopping efficient by creating a comprehensive list of everything you need, including items you already have. Keep this list on your phone’s note-taking app or on paper to ensure you stay on track, avoid multiple trips, and prevent unnecessary purchases.
- Embrace Meal Planning Simplify your weekly dinner plans by compiling a list of your family’s favourite meals. Include easy-to-make options like sandwiches, tacos, or chili. For quick and tasty dinners, consider recipes like chicken fried rice using Ben’s Original Ready Rice. Experiment with new recipes and add family favourites to the list to keep meal planning stress-free.
- Use Smart Prep Hacks Consider your family’s schedule before planning meals for the week. On busy evenings, opt for simple-to-prepare meals or use appliances like slow cookers or air fryers to save time. Reserve more complex recipes for less hectic days and designate a leftover night each week to clear out the fridge.
- Tap into Pantry Staples Utilize your pantry for quick after-school snacks and meals. The Ben’s Original Ready Rice collection, including Whole Grain Brown Rice, Jasmine, and Spanish Style, offers convenient meal options ready in just 90 seconds. Plus, with the “Be an After-School Hero” program, every $1 spent on participating products donates $1 to No Kid Hungry until Nov. 12, helping provide meals to those in need.
- Master Prep Days Allocate a few hours on the weekend to prep food for the week ahead. Divide proteins into portions, chop fruits and vegetables, prepare sauces, and create one-pan dishes. This prep work can save time during busy weekdays and ensure quality family mealtime.
Combat mealtime challenges and make school nights easier with these practical tips and recipes available at BensOriginal.com.
