A Medley of Garden Veggies

(Family Features) If your garden is overflowing, look no further than Thyme-Roasted Garden Veggies as a mouthwatering fall side dish. Zucchini, squash, tomato and carrot collide in this shareable dish that’s perfect for autumn get-togethers. Find main dishes to pair with these delicious roasted vegetables by visiting Culinary.net.  

Thyme-Roasted Garden Veggies

Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy” Servings: 4-6

• 2  zucchinis
• 2 yellow squashes
• 2 tomatoes
• 2 carrots
• avocado oil
• 2 tablespoons thyme
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

1. Heat oven or grill to 425 F.
2. Cut zucchinis, squashes, tomatoes and carrots into bite-sized pieces. Place on lined baking sheet. Drizzle with avocado oil. Sprinkle with thyme and garlic then season with salt and pepper, to taste. Top with Parmesan cheese.
3. Bake or grill 30 minutes until fork tender.

SOURCE: Culinary.net

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Last Updated on November 8, 2025 by Daily News Staff

 

As the federal government shutdown stretches on, millions of Americans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are feeling the impact. With funding frozen and contingency reserves covering only partial benefits, families across the country are facing uncertainty at the grocery checkout line.

While federal agencies work to find a resolution, community support has never been more important. If you’re wondering what you can do to help—or if you’re affected yourself—here are a few practical ways to take action and make a difference.

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1.

Stay Informed and Share Reliable Updates

 

Misinformation spreads fast during a crisis. Always rely on trusted sources like the USDA, your state’s human services department, or local news outlets for updates on benefit distribution.

You can also visit https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap to track official announcements.

Sharing verified information with friends, family, or local community groups helps ensure that no one misses critical updates about their benefits or local resources.

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2.

Support Local Food Banks and Pantries

 

Food banks and community pantries are stepping up to fill the gap left by delayed SNAP benefits—but many are stretched thin.

If you’re able, consider:

• Donating food staples: rice, pasta, canned protein, and shelf-stable milk are always needed.

• Making a financial contribution: even small donations go further than you think.

• Volunteering your time: help with food distribution, delivery, or sorting donations.

 

Organizations like Feeding America, local churches, and community centers are coordinating extra outreach right now.

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3.

Advocate for Your Community

 

Reach out to your elected officials—local, state, and federal. Let them know how the shutdown and benefit delays are affecting families in your area.

You can call, email, or attend town hall meetings. Clear, compassionate stories from everyday citizens carry weight and remind leaders that policy delays have real human costs.

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4.

Check on Neighbors and Friends

 

Sometimes, the best help comes through small, personal actions.

If you know someone who relies on SNAP—especially seniors, single parents, or those without reliable transportation—offer to share a meal, give them a ride to a food pantry, or help them apply for local relief programs.

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5.

Explore Temporary Assistance and Discounts

 

While federal aid is limited during the shutdown, some grocery stores, delivery apps, and local organizations are stepping in to help.

Several retailers and food delivery services are offering temporary discounts or grocery credit for affected families. You can check People.com’s list of offers for more information.

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6.

If You’re Affected: Plan Conservatively

 

If your SNAP allotment for November was reduced or delayed, it’s important to stretch existing resources:

• Use what’s already on your EBT card before new funds arrive.

• Cook simple, low-cost meals that make the most of pantry staples.

• Look for “community meals” at local schools, senior centers, or nonprofits.

• Avoid large bulk purchases until you know your next benefit date.

 

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7.

Remember: You’re Not Alone

 

Millions of Americans are in this together. The shutdown is a national issue, but local communities have the power to soften its impact through compassion, awareness, and action.

Until Washington resolves its impasse, small efforts—like volunteering, sharing accurate information, or helping a neighbor—can make a big difference.

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Related links:

• Map Shows States Covering SNAP Benefits Amid Funding Lapse (Newsweek)

• USDA SNAP Program Updates

• How to Get Free Food From Delivery Services if You Lose SNAP Benefits (People)

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Last Updated on September 1, 2025 by Daily News Staff

Stress Less, Snack Smarter This Back-to-School Season

(Family Features) If back-to-school season feels more overwhelming than exciting, you’re not alone. Between adjusting schedules, planning meals and organizing school supplies, it’s easy for families to feel the pressure this time of year. With the right strategies and simple routines, you can reduce the chaos and make it a smoother, healthier experience for the whole family. These registered dietitian-approved ideas can help get you started: 1. Set the Tone with a Fast and Easy Breakfast Getting kids motivated in the morning is no small task. Start the day with upbeat, energizing music and a nourishing meal like Breakfast Taquitos, paired with Yo Quiero’s Grab & Go Guacamole, Bean Dip and Salsa, to help kids focus and make the morning routine feel more like a dance party. 2. Skip the Sandwich at Lunchtime If your kids are tired of sandwiches – and you’re tired of wasting time on food that comes back half-eaten – try a quick and easy option that balances fiber, protein and good-for-you carbs like these Ham, Cheese and Apple Wraps made with JAZZ Apples. 3. End the Lunchbox Struggle Use colorful bento boxes to keep packed lunches organized and visually appealing then take advantage of blueberries from Consalo Family Farms to create Blueberry Gummy Snacks, a better-for-you alternative to packaged treats that you won’t find left untouched at the bottom of lunchboxes. 4. Change the Snacking Game with Dips While many a baby carrot and celery stick has found its way home from school lunchboxes untouched, adding Mini Cucumber Veggie Dips featuring Nature Fresh Farms Lil’ Chills Mini Cucumbers to after-school snack trays can make all the difference. 5. Prevent the After-School Meltdown with Smart Snacks School days are long, and kids often come home hungry. Keep them satisfied and stable by setting out an After School Snack Board featuring Sunset Sprinkles Snacking Tomatoes, cheese cubes, fruit and whole-grain crackers. 6. Stock Up on Convenient Snacks Whether you’re running out the door (or just walked in from a long day), snacks that don’t require peeling, chopping or anything resembling effort like single-serve, Grab-and-Go Snacks from Del Monte, which come in flavors including Mixed Fruit, Mango Pineapple and Cherry Mixed Fruit, make it easy to choose something healthy without the drama. 7. Capture an Easy Weeknight Win You don’t need to spend an hour cooking dinner to get something satisfying on the table. Weeknights are hectic, so focus on go-to meals that are fast, flavorful and kid-approved like these Barbecue Cheeseburger Folded Quesadillas featuring caramelized Shuman Farms Vidalia Onions. 8. Try a Healthy Evening Treat Kids want something sweet after dinner, but many traditional desserts are loaded with added sugars. These Mandarin Popsicles made with Bee Sweet Citrus Mandarins are a fun way to satisfy that craving while sneaking in fruit. Together, these health-conscious brands are backing the Healthy Family Project back-to-school campaign with a shared goal: inspire better habits and give back where it counts. Through a collective donation to the Foundation for Fresh Produce’s K-12 programs, they’re helping support nutrition education in schools across the country. Because when fresh thinking meets real collaboration, families win. Visit HealthyFamilyProject.com to find more recipes that help families pack healthier lunchboxes, fuel busy afternoons and make more produce a part of everyday life. SOURCE: Healthy Family Project