Planning can take the battle out of preparing delicious, healthy meals for your family. Having a stock of basic foods and staples on hand can help with meal planning as well as saving you time and money.

Basic Foods for Cupboard, Fridge and Freezer: Create Your Own List!
Save time, money, and trips to the store by using this basic list as the beginning point in planning meals. Includes a handout you can print and take shopping.

• Quick recipes to make from foods on the Basic Foods list * Marked with a color-coded dot

Organizing Your Recipe Collection
Tips for organizing that drawer or box of recipes.

Making a Casserole from What’s on Hand
Use up those last bits of ingredients and make a creative casserole!

Meal Planning for Familes with Children

Healthy Meals for Healthy Kids: Ages 6-12 Years -- Leader Guide, Extension Publication HEF552 (7 page PDF)
Good health begins with good nutrition. This family-oriented guide helps adults and children learn how to design meals based on nutrients and appropriate serving sizes. Participant guide also available. Order printed copies from your local Extension office.

Healthy Meals for Healthy Kids: Ages 6-12 Years -- Participant Manual, Extension Publication HEF553 (3 page PDF)
Good health begins with good nutrition. This family-oriented guide helps adults and children learn how to design meals based on nutrients and appropriate serving sizes. Leader guide also available.

Adjusting Recipes to Meet Dietary Guidelines, Extension Publication EC442 (8 page PDF)
Take a step toward meeting your nutritional goals by learning how to adjust your favorite recipes in accordance with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Related Publication

Tips for Eating Out, Extension Publication G1644 (2 page PDF version)
To make healthy choices when you eat out, use the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and MyPyramid to pick up some health tips on ordering foods at a restaurant.

Additional Resources for Shopping, Cooking and Meal Planning

• Meal Planning, Shopping and Budgeting (Source: USDA SNAP-Ed Connection)
  This link provides a variety of resources to help you plan, shop and budget meals better.
• Shopping, Cooking & Meal Planning (Source: Nutrition.gov)
  Links to a wealth of information, resources and tips for healthy ways to plan, shop and cook for your family.

Food Storage

Visit the “Food Safety" section of food.unl.edu to learn how proper food storage helps maintain food quality while also reducing the chance of contracting a foodborne illness.