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Fresh Dinnertime Ideas for Families with Kroger

Kroger Co. has recently shared a wealth of tips to help families come together in the kitchen and enjoy cooking meals using seasonal produce. With summer's bounty, cooking can not only be a leisurely activity but also a fantastic opportunity for children and parents alike to bond together. Carlo Baldan, Kroger's Group Vice President of Fresh Merchandising, points out that enjoying fresh, in-season fruits and vegetables contributes to a healthy lifestyle and can transform cooking from a chore into a cherished family activity.

Embrace the Freshness of Summer Produce

During summer, the variety of vibrant fruits and vegetables available is extensive. Families can take advantage of fresh produce such as:

Vegetables: Avocados, beets, bell peppers, carrots, celery, corn, cucumbers, and more.
Fruits: From apricots and blackberries to peaches, watermelon, and strawberries.
Citrus fruits: Including refreshing lemons and limes to enhance flavors.

Cooking with these fresh ingredients not only aids in cultivating healthier eating habits but also offers an engaging experience that kids will love. Here are simple yet effective tips for making the most out of summer produce:

1. Eat the Rainbow

Encouraging children to try different colors of fruits and vegetables can be both fun and nutritious. Preparing a colorful salad with tomatoes, carrots, and cucumbers can be a delightful experience for little chefs too. Allow them to wash the vegetables under adult supervision while they learn about the nutritional benefits associated with various colors.

2. Make Food Art

Introducing creativity into meal preparation can turn cooking into an enjoyable craft. Family members can create skewers with seasonal vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers, practicing patterns in colors, shapes, and sizes. A quick grill will caramelize these vegetables, enhancing their natural flavors.

3. Spice it Up

Experimenting with spices and herbs brings out incredible flavors in vegetables. Children can enjoy measuring and mixing spices like rosemary, salt, and cumin, enhancing their skills while exploring new tastes.

4. Cool Down with Desserts

Beat the summer heat by creating simple, healthy popsicles using fresh berries. Mixing fruits with Greek yogurt and a splash of citrus can lead to a refreshing, nutritious treat that kids can help prepare.

5. Explore New Flavors

Kroger encourages families to try exclusive seasonal items, including its Private Selection® Black Diamond Watermelons, known for their sweetness, and Hatch Chiles that come in varying spice levels.

Building Balanced Meals

A well-rounded meal can be created by pairing fresh produce with lean proteins like chicken or fish, along with healthy grains such as quinoa or whole wheat pasta. Kroger also emphasizes making healthy choices accessible through its OptUP program, which provides customers with personalized nutrition guidance and product recommendations.

Supporting Healthy Choices for Everyone

Kroger believes that healthy eating should be attainable for everyone. Many fresh foods can be purchased using specific benefit cards, ensuring that families have access to fresh, healthy groceries. In addition to competitive pricing, Kroger offers promotions and an assortment of bulk packages that cater to family needs and budgets, making it easier for parents to stock up on essentials while saving money.

About Kroger

At The Kroger Co., with operations exceeding 400,000 associates, our mission is to nourish families and communities. Our commitment to sustainable practices, like the #ZeroHungerZeroWaste initiative, demonstrates our dedication to making a positive impact out of every shopping experience.

So, why not gather your family and take advantage of summer's fresh produce? Cooking together is a wonderful way to create lasting memories while enjoying the benefits of healthy eating.