Meridian Health Plan of Illinois, Inc. (Meridian) is launching new affordable strategies within its Eat Well, Be Well initiative to help families across Illinois prepare healthy, budget-friendly meals using simple ingredients, pantry staples, and cost-conscious cooking techniques. This coincides with Nutrition Awareness Month in March and features a weekly meal plan with five nutritious, family-friendly meals that minimize total grocery cost. Meridian’s Eat Well, Be Well Nutrition Awareness Month campaign provides a pathway to slicing costs significantly, without sacrificing nutrition. The strategy focuses on easy-to-prepare meals built around affordable, commonly available ingredients such as rice, beans, pasta, potatoes, frozen vegetables, and budget-friendly proteins like chicken thighs. These recipes were recommended by Meridian’s registered dietician and include options like One-Pot Cheesy Rice and Bean Skillet, Sheet-Pan Chicken and Potatoes, and One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta. In addition to recipes, Meridian’s resources and online content provide practical budgeting strategies, including:
• Planning meals in advance and creating a shopping list
• Shopping pantry and freezer items before buying new ingredients
• Using frozen and canned fruits and vegetables to reduce spoilage and cost
To learn more about Meridian’s Eat Well, Be Well program and access affordable recipes and nutrition resources, visit ILmeridian.com/EatWell.
Photo Credit: Meridian Health Plan of Illinois
