A Guide to Crafting Affordable, Healthy Holiday Meals

Who says a festive holiday meal must cost a fortune? Eating healthy on a budget might seem challenging, but with a little creativity and planning, you can enjoy nutritious meals without overspending. Vermont’s local resources and seasonal ingredients make it even easier to create delicious, wholesome dishes.

Plan Ahead with a Budget in Mind

• Start by setting a weekly food budget and creating a meal plan around it. Planning your meals helps you:
• Minimize waste by buying only what you need.
• Avoid impulse purchases that can drive up costs.

Take advantage of sales at your local grocery store or co-op. Look for affordable staples like beans, rice, oats, and frozen vegetables that can be used in multiple recipes.

Use Seasonal and Local Ingredients

In Vermont, eating seasonally not only supports local farmers but is also more cost-effective. During fall and early winter, root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and turnips are abundant and affordable.

Tip: Check out your local farmers’ market or co-op for deals on in-season produce. Many markets offer discounts toward the end of the day.

Get Creative with Leftovers

Repurposing leftovers into new meals saves money and time. For example:

• Roast a chicken for dinner, then use the leftovers to make a hearty soup or chicken salad.
• Transform roasted vegetables into a filling for wraps or omelets.
• Use stale bread for croutons, stuffing, or bread pudding.

Being resourceful with leftovers means fewer trips to the store and less food waste.

Try a Healthy, Budget-Friendly Recipe

Hearty Lentil and Vegetable Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried lentils
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp thyme, 1 tsp garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté the onion, carrots, and celery in a pot until softened.
2. Add lentils, tomatoes, broth, and spices.
3. Simmer for 30-40 minutes until lentils are tender.

This recipe makes 4-6 servings for under $1.50 per bowl.

Shop at the Dollar Store

With some creativity and thoughtful choices, you can create a delicious, healthy spread using ingredients from the dollar store. Their shelves often include affordable staples and pantry essentials perfect for stretching your budget while keeping your meal nutritious. Here's how to prepare a well-rounded holiday meal by shopping at the dollar store.

1. Start with a Holiday-Ready Protein

   • Dollar stores often stock canned chicken or frozen turkey patties. These can be seasoned and baked as a lean protein option for your holiday table.

     Tip: Enhance flavor with a simple glaze using pantry staples like honey, mustard, or spices.

2. Load Up on Vegetables
   • Frozen and canned vegetables are budget-friendly and nutritious. Look for options like green beans, carrots, corn, or mixed vegetables.
   • Recipe Idea: Create a colorful vegetable medley. Sauté green beans and carrots in a bit of olive oil with garlic powder and a sprinkle of salt.
3. Get Creative with Sides
   • Affordable holiday sides can be delicious and healthy:
     • Stuffing: Use the dollar store’s stuffing mix and add canned mushrooms or frozen vegetables for extra nutrition.
     • Sweet Potatoes: If available, canned sweet potatoes can be baked with a sprinkle of cinnamon for a simple, tasty side dish.
     • Rice or Pasta: Pair these pantry staples with canned diced tomatoes and herbs for a festive pilaf.
4. Don't Forget the Salad
   • Packaged spinach or mixed greens might be available in the freezer section. Toss with canned beans (like chickpeas) and a simple dressing made from olive oil, vinegar, and a dash of garlic powder.
5. End on a Sweet Note
   • For dessert, the dollar store often carries canned fruit like peaches or pears. These can be served chilled or warmed with a sprinkle of cinnamon for a naturally sweet, healthy finish to your meal.
6. Dress It Up
   • Presentation goes a long way! Use holiday-themed plates, napkins, or table settings (also available at the dollar store) to make your meal feel festive and special.

Sample Menu: Healthy Holiday Meal from the Dollar Store

• Main: Glazed Turkey Patties
• Sides: Garlic Green Bean and Carrot Medley, Herb Rice Pilaf, Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes
• Salad: Spinach and Chickpea Salad
• Dessert: Warm Cinnamon Pears

Lean on Community Resources

Vermont has numerous programs to help residents access healthy food.

• Vermont Foodbank: Offers fresh produce and pantry staples.
• 3SquaresVT: Provides financial assistance for groceries.
• Community Meals and Co-ops: Many local co-ops offer discounts for members and food share programs.

Don’t hesitate to use these resources—they’re there to support our community.