HEALTHY KITCHEN BASICS. In keeping with some of the information from the recent opening of the new food pantry at Destinations Bradford, making healthy meals at home is easier than you might imagine.

Starting with a few healthy kitchen basics will get your meals moving in the right direction. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Protein doesn’t just come from meat. Other sources include low-sodium canned beans, dried beans and lentils, canned tuna or salmon, peanut butter, seeds and nuts, or even eggs. Grains go beyond white bread to include oatmeal, flour, whole grain pasta, brown rice and quinoa or whole grain wraps and tortillas. Fruit items other than the standard apples and bananas include raisins and dried cranberries, canned fruit without added sugar. Frozen fruit is another option.

Looking for additional flavor to add to meals? Consider adding balsamic or apple cider vinegar, low sodium chicken, beef or vegetable broth, salsa, hot sauce, vanilla, lemon juice, or canola or olive oils. Spice things up with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano or thyme, chili powder or paprika, pepper and cinnamon.

Keep frozen greens and a variety of other frozen vegetables on hand to add to meals. In addition, low-fat cow’s milk or unsweetened soy milk, low-fat yogurt and cottage cheese will build up your dairy needs.

You don’t need to stock up on all of the items above. Have some on hand, pick a few up at the store on your next trip, and keep the others in mind when planning meals.

For more ideas and recipes, go to feedingpa.org/hpi