09/06/2026
🥕 From the Pantry to the Table
Healthy Eating Patterns: It Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated
Healthy eating isn’t about following a perfect diet or buying expensive “health foods.” It’s about making the best choices you can with the food you have, your budget, and your family’s preferences.
A healthy eating pattern can include:
🥕 Vegetables – fresh, frozen, or canned
🍎 Fruits – fresh, frozen, canned, or dried
🌾 Whole grains – oatmeal, brown rice, whole-grain breads and pastas
🫘 Beans & peas – an affordable source of protein and fiber
🍗 Protein – chicken, fish, eggs, lean meats, beans, nuts, and seeds
🥛 Dairy – milk, yogurt, and other low-fat options when available
💚 A few simple goals
1. Add more variety.
Try to include foods from several food groups throughout the day.
2. Choose nutrient-rich foods when you can.
Foods like beans, vegetables, fruits, eggs, oats, and whole grains can provide a lot of nutrition without breaking the budget.
3. Watch the extras.
Foods and drinks high in added sugar, sodium, and saturated fat don't have to disappear completely, but they are best enjoyed in moderation.
4. Make it work for YOU.
Healthy eating doesn't look exactly the same for every family. Cultural foods, personal preferences, available ingredients, and your budget all matter.
🥣 Pantry Tip
Canned, frozen, and shelf-stable foods can absolutely be part of a healthy eating pattern. Don't overlook the foods already sitting in your pantry or the foods available through food assistance programs like ours. With a little creativity, they can become nutritious meals for your family.
At Good Samaritan Center, we believe healthy eating should be realistic, affordable, and accessible to everyone. ❤️
