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 Canned & Packaged Proteins

  1. Canned chicken

  2. Canned tuna or salmon

  3. Canned roast beef or pork

  4. Canned chili (with or without beans)

  5. Canned soups + stews

  6. Bean-based soups or vegetarian chili

  7. Chicken salad or tuna salad pouches

Canned & Dry Pantry Basics

  1. Canned corn

  2. Canned green beans / peas

  3. Canned mixed vegetables

  4. Canned fruit cups

  5. Applesauce cups or pouches

  6. Canned diced tomatoes / Rotel

  7. Canned beans (black, pinto, kidney, chili beans)

  8. Canned potatoes

  9. Canned pasta (Chef Boyardee, spaghetti rings, etc.)

 Grains, Pasta & Rice

  1. Microwave rice packets

  2. Instant mashed potatoes

  3. Boxed macaroni & cheese

  4. Pasta (elbow, penne, rotini)

  5. Boxed stuffing mix

  6. Ramen packs or soup cups

  7. Shelf-stable noodle bowls

 Sauces, Mixes & Bases

  1. Pasta sauce (jar or can)

  2. Pizza sauce

  3. Alfredo sauce

  4. Shelf-stable cheese sauce

  5. Gravy packets

  6. Taco seasoning

  7. Ranch or Italian dressing packets

  8. Broth cartons or cans (chicken, beef, or vegetable)

🧂 Spices, Oils & Flavor Add-Ons

  1. Salt + pepper packets

  2. Garlic powder

  3. Onion powder

  4. Italian seasoning

  5. Chili powder

  6. Mini bottles of cooking oil

  7. Soy sauce packets

  8. Hot sauce packets

  9. Shelf-stable parmesan cheese packets

 Quick Add-On Items (to stretch meals or make them easier)

  1. Instant rice cups

  2. Microwaveable pasta cups

  3. Tortilla chips

  4. Crackers (saltines, Ritz, or multigrain)

  5. Bread crumb packets

  6. Ready-to-eat rice & bean cups

  7. Stove Top stuffing

  8. Small foil trays or paper bowls

  9. Plastic utensils packs

  10. Napkin packs

 Kid-Friendly Snacks

  1. Granola bars

  2. Fruit snacks

  3. Apple sauce pouches

  4. Cereal cups

  5. Shelf-stable chocolate milk cartons

  6. Trail mix (nut-free options too)

  7. SunButter snack packets

  8. Peanut butter crackers or cheese crackers

  9. Pretzels or veggie straws

  10. Fruit leather

🛠️ Non-Food Essentials

  1. 2-gallon ziplock bags (to package meal kits)

  2. Handheld can openers (include one per several bags)

  3. Wet wipes or sanitizer wipes

  4. Paper instruction cards for recipes

  5. Plastic wrap or foil sheets

  6. Disposable bowls or cups

  7. Plastic forks/spoons

Shelf-Stable Meal Kit Staples 
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