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Healthy Recipes

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Recipes Using USDA Foods

Providing clients with recipe or meal ideas can encourage healthy eating and move inventory in the food bank. Food received through The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) comes from USDA. Below you can find recipes picked by WSDA staff, Food Assistance partners, and other web resources to explore for choosing a recipe yourself.

Combine USDA Foods with Local Produce

Washington State has some of the most productive and diverse farms. (Learn more about Washington agriculture.)
With programs like Local Food Purchasing Assistance (LFPA), Farm to Food Pantry (F2FP), and Farm to Food Bank (FTFB), WSDA Food Assistance is committed to supporting local farmers and getting local food into the hands of clients. Use the recipes below that combine scheduled USDA items with Washington seasonal produce to build meal kits, host a food demo, or inspire clients.
Note: While USDA items are ordered, loads and trucks can still be canceled. Likewise, if you receive food from a TEFAP Lead Agency or Sub Agency, WSDA does not guarantee you will receive the USDA items listed.

Recipes for Foods Scheduled May-July 2023


  • Baked Eggs with Crispy Rice Cake -- from Capitol Area Food Bank (Washington D.C.)
    • USDA Foods: rice, eggs, vegetable oil  |  Seasonal: fresh herbs (cilantro)
    • Notes: Add salsa or tomato sauce as topping, swap herbs for green onions, serve with baked sweet potato (USDA) and/or navy beans (USDA)
  • Turmeric Lentils and Pasta -- from Food Hero
    • USDA Foods: lentils, canned tomatoes, vegetable oil  |  Seasonal: fresh herbs (cilantro), onions, garlic
    • Notes: Use broken spaghetti instead of orzo, mix in canned green beans, peas, or collard greens for an extra dose of veggies
  • Cabbage Roll Casserole -- from the ONIE Project
    • USDA Foods: diced tomatoes (canned), tomato/spaghetti sauce  |  Seasonal: cabbage, onions, garlic
    • Notes: Use leftover cooked rice instead of instant, top with cottage cheese, swap beef for chicken, turkey, or beans
  • Baked Berry Oatmeal -- from Food Hero
    • USDA Foods: oats, eggs, milk, walnuts, berries  |  Seasonal: berries
    • Notes: Swap the optional walnuts for hazelnuts (USDA) or something similar, use any berries (raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, blueberries) frozen or fresh
  • Canned Salmon Wraps Multiple Ways -- from WSDA's Nutrition Materials Workgroup
    • USDA Foods: canned salmon, mixed produce  |  Seasonal: carrots, lettuce, herbs, cucumbers
    • Notes: Most of these would be just as good with canned pork (USDA)
  • Mix and Match Formulas (Skillet Meals) (Grain Bowls) (Stir Fry Meals) -- from Food Hero
    • USDA Foods: many  |  Seasonal: many
    • Notes: Use these formulas with what is available in the food bank/pantry.

Commodity Board Recipes


Crop commissions and commodity boards have dozens of recipes. These foods are also items frequently found in food banks and pantries. Unlike recipes from SNAP-Ed and other health-focused partners, some of these may be indulgent rather than everyday options. Work with a local SNAP-Ed partner or a nutrition consultant if you want help choosing what's right for your clients.


Recipes From SNAP-Ed Partners



SNAP-Ed work happens at the federal level and in every state. The SNAP-Ed network is constantly creating, testing, and sharing healthy recipes that can be accessible for food pantry clients. You are bound to find a recipe that clients will love given all the options available, and SNAP-Ed recipes have nutrtition as their focus. Check these sites regularly for updates and seasonal favorites.