Just Add One: For Value

PITTSBURGH, June 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Canned food has been bringing value into America's homes for generations.  And we're not just talking about the bottom line on your grocery receipt.  In addition to being affordable, canned food also saves you time by cutting out the preparation needed to cook, slice, dice or chop your favorite fruits and veggies.  Adding just one canned ingredient to your family's favorite meals can save you money and time, turning an ordinary dish into an extraordinary meal.  

Getting More Mileage Out of Your Fruits and Veggies

According to a 2004 University of Arizona study, forty to fifty percent of all food ready for harvest never gets eaten and the average American household wastes 14 percent of its food purchases.  Talk about money going down the drain (or in the garbage can!).  Canned fruits and vegetables are not only affordable, but they are also shelf-stable.  So you can stock up and enjoy your favorites without worrying they'll spoil.  

You also don't have to worry about sacrificing nutrition or taste when cooking with canned foods.  For example, this Red Satin Cake with Peaches and Raspberries is moist and delicious thanks to a secret ingredient (canned beets!), but it is also good for you, offering a half-cup serving of fruits and veggies per serving.

To learn more about the nutritional benefits of canned food, check out this video of Dr. Christine Bruhn, University of California-Davis, discussing her recent study that found canned fruits and veggies are nutritionally similar to their fresh and frozen counterparts.

Capitalize on the Value of an Organized Pantry

Knowing what to have on hand is half the battle in preparing tasty meals that are affordable and nutritious.  Think of your pantry as your prep kitchen – by stocking it with a variety of convenience ingredients, you'll be able to whip up meals for the entire family without sacrificing extra time or money.  For example, canned beans are not only a nutrition powerhouse, but they're also a huge time-saver because you don't need to soak them prior to cooking with them.  And canned tuna and chicken are both affordable ways to add a boost of protein to any dish.  The best way to maximize your pantry and its contents is to keep it organized.  Mealtime.org developed the Essential Kitchen Toolkit to help make the most chaotic kitchen run smoother.  

About the Canned Food Alliance

The Canned Food Alliance is a partnership of the American Iron and Steel Institute's Steel Packaging Council, the Can Manufacturers Institute, select food processors and affiliate members. The primary mission of the CFA is to drive increased consumption of canned foods by enhancing the perception of their numerous benefits. For hundreds of mealtime solutions, visit www.mealtime.org.

SOURCE Canned Food Alliance