Canned & Packaged Proteins
-
Canned chicken
-
Canned tuna or salmon
-
Canned roast beef or pork
-
Canned chili (with or without beans)
-
Canned soups + stews
-
Bean-based soups or vegetarian chili
-
Chicken salad or tuna salad pouches
-
Canned & Dry Pantry Basics
-
Canned corn
-
Canned green beans / peas
-
Canned mixed vegetables
-
Canned fruit cups
-
Applesauce cups or pouches
-
Canned diced tomatoes / Rotel
-
Canned beans (black, pinto, kidney, chili beans)
-
Canned potatoes
-
Canned pasta (Chef Boyardee, spaghetti rings, etc.)
Grains, Pasta & Rice
-
Microwave rice packets
-
Instant mashed potatoes
-
Boxed macaroni & cheese
-
Pasta (elbow, penne, rotini)
-
Boxed stuffing mix
-
Ramen packs or soup cups
-
Shelf-stable noodle bowls
Sauces, Mixes & Bases
-
Pasta sauce (jar or can)
-
Pizza sauce
-
Alfredo sauce
-
Shelf-stable cheese sauce
-
Gravy packets
-
Taco seasoning
-
Ranch or Italian dressing packets
-
Broth cartons or cans (chicken, beef, or vegetable)
🧂 Spices, Oils & Flavor Add-Ons
-
Salt + pepper packets
-
Garlic powder
-
Onion powder
-
Italian seasoning
-
Chili powder
-
Mini bottles of cooking oil
-
Soy sauce packets
-
Hot sauce packets
-
Shelf-stable parmesan cheese packets
Quick Add-On Items (to stretch meals or make them easier)
-
Instant rice cups
-
Microwaveable pasta cups
-
Tortilla chips
-
Crackers (saltines, Ritz, or multigrain)
-
Bread crumb packets
-
Ready-to-eat rice & bean cups
-
Stove Top stuffing
-
Small foil trays or paper bowls
-
Plastic utensils packs
-
Napkin packs
Kid-Friendly Snacks
-
Granola bars
-
Fruit snacks
-
Apple sauce pouches
-
Cereal cups
-
Shelf-stable chocolate milk cartons
-
Trail mix (nut-free options too)
-
SunButter snack packets
-
Peanut butter crackers or cheese crackers
-
Pretzels or veggie straws
-
Fruit leather
🛠️ Non-Food Essentials
-
2-gallon ziplock bags (to package meal kits)
-
Handheld can openers (include one per several bags)
-
Wet wipes or sanitizer wipes
-
Paper instruction cards for recipes
-
Plastic wrap or foil sheets
-
Disposable bowls or cups
-
Plastic forks/spoons