Sometimes, all it takes is a few good ingredients to create a world of meal possibilities. At PC Food Pantry, we believe in the power of simple staples—foods you can count on to stretch across the week, fill hungry bellies, and still taste great.
Here are 5 go-to pantry staples and 10+ ways you can turn them into delicious, budget-friendly meals.
🫘 1. Canned Beans (Black, Pinto, Kidney, Chickpeas)
Why we love them:
- High in protein and fiber
- Super versatile
- Long shelf life
Meal Ideas:
- Rice & beans bowl
- Bean chili
- Bean tacos
- Bean salad
- Mash for veggie burgers or wraps
🍝 2. Pasta
Why we love it:
- Affordable
- Cooks fast
- Kids love it!
Meal Ideas:
- Spaghetti with tomato sauce
- Tuna pasta salad
- Pasta with veggies and cheese
- Pasta stir-fry with beans or leftover meat
🍚 3. Rice (White or Brown)
Why we love it:
- Fills you up
- Can go sweet or savory
- Easy to cook in batches
Meal Ideas:
- Stir-fry with veggies
- Rice & bean burritos
- Rice pudding for dessert
- Chicken and rice soup
- Breakfast rice with fruit and cinnamon
🍅 4. Canned Tomatoes
Why we love them:
- Add flavor and nutrition
- Can be the base of many meals
- Affordable and shelf-stable
Meal Ideas:
- Tomato soup
- Pasta sauce
- Shakshuka-style eggs in tomato
- Spanish rice
- Casseroles or baked dishes
🥔 5. Potatoes (Fresh or Canned)
Why we love them:
- Super filling
- Can be breakfast, lunch, or dinner
- Easy to pair with almost anything
Meal Ideas:
- Mashed potatoes
- Potato and veggie hash
- Baked potatoes with toppings
- Potato soup
- Roasted with seasonings
💡 Quick Tip: Build a Pantry “Meal Map”
Pick one staple → list 2–3 meals you can make with it.
This makes meal planning fast and keeps things interesting!
💛 One Bag, Many Meals
These staples may be humble, but they’re powerful tools in your kitchen. With just a few ingredients, you can create dozens of nourishing meals—full of heart, flavor, and love.
We’re honored to be a part of your meal story at PC Food Pantry.
