Written by: Nicole Pazdziorko, RDN, LDN

As kids go on break for the next few months and summer schedules are in full swing, it’s important to prioritize nutritious foods that keep you and your family fueled for summer activities. Here are key tips for balancing snack time and saving minutes on meals this summer.

Prioritize produce in kid-friendly pairings.

Try something simple like fruit skewers with a honey yogurt dipping sauce. These are colorful, hydrating, and a fun way to get kids excited about fruit. Let them help build the rainbow: strawberries, oranges, bananas, grapes, blueberries, or whatever fruit they like. 

Another fun activity for kids is making their own trail mix, featuring nuts, seeds, mini chocolate chips and raisins. For a fun twist that combines multiple food groups and boosts hydration, swap in fresh grapes and cheese cubes. 

Rely on time-saving staples for quick meals.

On busy days when you’re in need of something quick, rely on time-saving staples from Food City. Pre-cooked proteins like canned tuna and canned chicken or cooked shrimp are easy to feature in quick wraps, salads, or cold pasta dishes. 

For recipe-ready vegetables, look for Produce ShortCuts. These are perfect to throw directly on the grill, add to an easy foil pack with protein, or feature in a simple sauté. A refreshing summer recipe that uses ShortCuts is Pesto Chicken Penne with Summer Squash. Toss fiber-rich whole wheat penne with jarred pesto, rotisserie chicken and ShortCuts Grillers Summer Squash together for a quick dinner that boasts twenty-five grams of protein and six grams of fiber per serving. 

Find ready-to-eat options for lunches and dinners

When you don’t have time to cook at all, or don’t feel like heating up the kitchen, Food City’s Deli has got you covered. Find fresh, house-made salads, like zesty pasta, crunchy broccoli or macaroni for an easy addition to picnics or cookouts, or make it a complete weeknight meal by pairing with a fresh rotisserie chicken. 

From produce and deli to meat and center store, Food City has quick and easy solutions for snacks and meals that will keep your family fueled all summer long.