WV Farm Bureau Magazine September 2014 | Page 26

W Family Features hen it comes to mealtime, a well-stocked pantry can be the difference between culinary success and a dinner dud. Too often we contemplate what to make for dinner, only to realize that we don’t have the right ingredients on hand or the food in the fridge has spoiled. But with a pantry full of canned foods, a delicious and easy, homemade meal is just minutes away. It’s no secret that canned foods are convenient, but did you know that cans are also one of the best ways to get food from the farm to your family’s table? Canned fruits and vegetables are picked and packed when they’re at their peak of ripeness and nutrition, sealing in their freshness and flavor, so you can feel confident about serving them anytime. Less waste, more meals And if you find that you’re often throwing away fresh food, you’re not alone. Accord­ng to a recent study, i most Americans throw away spoiled fresh fruits and vegetables two times a week on average, wasting a staggering 15 to 20 percent of fresh produce each year. By keeping your pantry stocked with essential canned ingredients, you know the food you purchase won’t go to waste, saving you money and helping reduce your impact on the environment. With your favorite canned food staples, you’ll be on your way to creating delicious and nutritious meals like Hearty Chickpea Vegetable Soup, Neopolitan Tuna Fettuccine and Falafel Burgers. Thanks to your wellstocked pantry — or “Cantry” — mealtime success is achievable anytime. For more recipes, nutritional information and to learn how yo