One of the great things about our pantry is that it isn’t a place where standard boxed and canned goods are gathered in a storage area. Instead, our clean, well-lit, client-choice food pantry offers people a place to shop for their specific dietary needs including fresh meats, breads, fruits and vegetables. And with common diseases of poverty such as, type 2 diabetes, congestive heart failure, and obesity, these choices are more important than ever.

Here are some delicious, yet healthy recipes inspired by our food pantry items:

This summer favorite never goes out of style. Though a cobb salad is traditionally made with chopped lettuce, boiled eggs, cherry red tomatoes, avocado, bacon, blue cheese, and grilled chicken, one of the best parts about cooking is being creative in the kitchen. Feel free to substitute the classic ingredients for some of your own or adding a dressing of your choice.

Anyone can put together this simple, yet refreshing appetizer. For a unique twist on this summer salad, gather together your favorite fruits and serve on a wooden stick as fruit kabobs. Grill the fruit on an outdoor grill or on a baking tray in the oven for extra flavor from the fruit’s caramelized natural sugars.  If you’re not sure where to start, try going for strawberries, apples, oranges, blueberries, mango or kiwi.

During the summertime, this lemon broccoli pasta dish is the ideal light, yet fulfilling meal. The best part is, it can be prepared within half an hour. Bring broccoli and rotini pasta noodles to a boil, then drain and add butter, drizzle with fresh lemon juice, and add the seasonings of your choice. Garnish with cheese, if desired.

These are just a few ideas to keep family, friends, and guests satisfied during all your summer entertaining!