National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month

PLAN YOUR MEALS & MAKE FRUITS AND VEGETABLES A PRIORITY. When meal planning, start with the vegetables you want to serve and add your protein and whole grains from there.

GO MEATLESS ONCE A WEEK. Skip the meat and make room for more vegetables! Whole grains and beans provide protein, and they’re often more affordable and may require less work to prepare. Burritos, tacos, soups and pasta dishes are family favorites that can easily be made meatless. Many recipes also make enough for you to cook once and eat twice by saving leftovers.

BUY FRUITS AND VEGETABLES IN SEASON. Seasonal produce is fresh and tasty, and it’s often more affordable. Carrots, potatoes and greens are versatile and readily available. Bananas, grapes, apples and oranges are generally the most affordable fruits year-round. For the best price, buy in bulk, but don’t buy more than you can use before it spoils.

• Shop your local farmers’ market. Looking at the produce and talking with growers may give you ideas about what to cook.
• Many farmers’ markets accept SNAP benefits — see if yours does!
• Make casseroles, soups and other seasonal produce recipes when the ingredients are at their freshest, then freeze them. This will keep the meal tasting its best and give you a quick dinner on a busy night! Label your containers with dates and check for spoilage or freezer burn before using.