Fight hunger with family meals; selfless ways to support community members in need

FAMILY FEATURESWith hectic day-to-day schedules and varying dietary needs, many families face the dreaded daily question: “What sounds good for dinner?” In contrast, millions struggle to put food on the table each night, impacting about 1 in 8 children, according to Feeding America.

You can help support those in need through Safeway and Albertsons’ “Fight Hunger, Serve Hope” cause program — an initiative to fight hunger in local communities during summer months when households with school-aged children face higher rates of food insecurity. The company’s private label will donate one meal for every O Organics product purchased, up to $7 million and the equivalent of 28 million meals. Donations will be made to Nourishing Neighbors, a program of Albertsons Companies Foundation, to fund grants dedicated to providing healthy meals for at-risk youth throughout the summer.

“While summertime sparks excitement for countless students, it also marks the unfortunate reality that millions of children face when they lose access to school cafeteria lunches and breakfasts they depend on throughout the school year,” said Jennifer Saenz, EVP and chief merchandising officer at Albertsons Companies. “As a company, we are committed to making a difference in the lives of children in need.

For the first time, we are making it easier than ever for our customers to support this mission by connecting each purchase of our O Organics brand to hunger relief efforts in the communities we serve.”

Following the campaign period, families looking to help in their communities can give back in a variety of ways.

Donate canned goodsOnce school is in session, many classrooms participate in canned food drives for a variety of causes while serving a dual purpose: feeding those in need and teaching children the importance of giving back. Sending your students to school with canned goods can show them the value of helping others and instill a sense of responsibility.

Volunteer at a food pantrySharing valuable resources like canned goods helps make a difference in communities, but local food pantries also need willing volunteers to sort and distribute food, among other duties. It can provide a unique sense of perspective as you meet other volunteers, improve the lives of people in your community and gain new skills.

Promote the power of family mealsWhether it’s breakfast, lunch, dinner or all three, sharing a meal with neighbors can be a powerful moment. It provides an opportunity to connect while enjoying easy-to-make recipes like Ribeye Steak, Grape Tomato and Mushroom Kebabs; Grilled Chicken Salad with Goat Cheese, Fresh Raspberries and Pecans; and Mixed Berry-Lime Smoothie Bowl with Banana and Granola.Find more meal ideas by visiting: Safeway.com and Albertsons.com.

Ribeye Steak, Grape Tomato and Mushroom KebabsRecipe courtesy of Safeway and AlbertsonsTotal time: 30 minutes2 cloves garlic1/2 small bunch Italian (flat leaf) parsley1/4 cup O Organics extra-virgin olive oil1/8 cup red wine vinegar2 teaspoons O Organics Dijon mustard1/2 teaspoon salt1/2 teaspoon black pepper3/4-pound O Organics ribeye steak1/2-pint O Organics grape tomatoes1/4-pound O Organics white mushroomsgreen pepper, sliced (optional)1/2 medium red onion6 skewersPeel and mince garlic. Wash and dry parsley. Shave leaves off stems; discard stems and mince leaves.In large bowl, whisk minced garlic, half the minced parsley (reserve remainder for garnish), olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.

Cut steak into cubes; transfer to marinade bowl and toss to coat.

Wash tomatoes, mushrooms, and green pepper. Halve mushrooms. Add tomatoes, mushrooms, and green pepper to marinade. Peel onion and cut into chunks; add to marinade. Toss beef and vegetables until well coated.

Heat grill pan, outdoor grill, or skillet to medium-high heat.

Thread steak and vegetables onto six skewers.

Cook kebabs in batches until steak is browned and vegetables are tender, 3-5 minutes per side. Transfer to plate and repeat with remaining kebabs.To serve, plate kebabs and sprinkle with remaining minced parsley.

Grilled Chicken Salad with Goat Cheese, Fresh Blueberries and PecansRecipe courtesy of Safeway and AlbertsonsTotal time: 20 minutes3/4 pound boneless, skinless O Organics chicken breasts1/4 teaspoon salt1/8 teaspoon black pepper2 teaspoons O Organics extra-virgin olive oil1 package (5 ounces) O Organics spring mix1 package (6 ounces) O Organics blueberries (or desired berry)1/4 cup O Organics pecan halves3 tablespoons O Organics olive oil1 tablespoon O Organics balsamic vinegar1/2 log (4 ounces) O Organics goat cheesePat chicken dry with paper towels and place on cutting board. Cut chicken in half horizontally to form thin cutlets. Season with salt and pepper on both sides.

Preheat grill pan, outdoor grill, or skillet to medium-high heat.Once pan is hot, coat with oil. Add chicken to pan and grill, turning once, until cooked through, 3-4 minutes per side.Wash and dry spring mix. Place in medium bowl.Wash and dry blueberries. Add to bowl with mixed greens. Using clean cutting board, roughly chop pecans. Add to bowl.Transfer cooked chicken to cutting board and cut into thin strips.In bowl, mix olive oil and balsamic vinegar to create dressing.Add chicken and dressing to salad bowl; toss to combine.To serve, divide salad between plates or bowls and crumble goat cheese over top.

Mixed Berry-Lime Smoothie Bowl with Banana and GranolaRecipe courtesy of Safeway and AlbertsonsTotal time: 10 minutesYield: 3 cups1 banana1/2 package (6 ounces) O Organics blackberries1/2 lime2 cups O Organics frozen mixed berries

1 cup plain O Organics Greek yogurt4 fluid ounces O Organics whole milk1/8 cup O Organics honey1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon2/3 cup O Organics granola of choiceWash and dry banana and blackberries.Peel and thinly slice banana; set aside.Zest and juice lime into blender. Add frozen mixed berries, yogurt, milk, honey and cinnamon. Blend on high speed until smooth, 1-2 minutes.To serve, divide smoothie between bowls and top with banana, blackberries and granola.Photo courtesy of Getty Images (kebabs)Source: Albertsons and Safeway