Food and Beverage
Fight Hunger with Family Meals
Last Updated on July 23, 2024 by Daily News Staff
Selfless ways to support community members in need
(Family Features) With 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 Goods
Once 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 Pantry
Sharing 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 Meals
Whether 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 Kebabs
Recipe courtesy of Safeway and Albertsons
Total time: 30 minutes
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 small bunch Italian (flat-leaf) parsley
- 1/4 cup O Organics extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/8 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons O Organics Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 pound O Organics ribeye steak
- 1/2 pint O Organics grape tomatoes
- 1/4 pound O Organics white mushrooms
- green pepper, sliced (optional)
- 1/2 medium red onion
- 6 skewers
- Peel 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 Pecans
Recipe courtesy of Safeway and Albertsons
Total time: 20 minutes
- 3/4 pound boneless, skinless O Organics chicken breasts
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons O Organics extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 package (5 ounces) O Organics spring mix
- 1 package (6 ounces) O Organics blueberries (or desired berry)
- 1/4 cup O Organics pecan halves
- 3 tablespoons O Organics olive oil
- 1 tablespoon O Organics balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 log (4 ounces) O Organics goat cheese
- Pat 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 Granola
Recipe courtesy of Safeway and Albertsons
Total time: 10 minutes
Yield: 3 cups
- 1 banana
- 1/2 package (6 ounces) O Organics blackberries
- 1/2 lime
- 2 cups O Organics frozen mixed berries
- 1 cup plain O Organics Greek yogurt
- 4 fluid ounces O Organics whole milk
- 1/8 cup O Organics honey
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2/3 cup O Organics granola of choice
- Wash 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)
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Foodie News
Borden® Cheese Wants to Crown “America’s Favorite Grilled Cheese” — and Every Vote Could Win Free Cheese for a Year
Grilled cheese is one of those rare foods that feels universal: it’s quick, comforting, kid-friendly, and endlessly customizable. You can argue bread (sourdough vs. white), spreads (butter vs. mayo), and fillings (tomato? bacon? pickles?), but there’s one truth most grilled-cheese fans agree on: the cheese is what makes the sandwich.
That’s the idea behind Borden® Cheese’s newest national campaign — a nationwide search to crown “America’s Favorite Grilled Cheese.” And yes, there’s a delicious incentive: every vote is also an entry for a chance to win free Borden Cheese for a year (plus kitchen supplies to keep the melt-magic going).
How the “America’s Favorite Grilled Cheese” vote works
From now through March 24, 2026, fans can head to WinFreeBordenCheese.com to vote for one of four grilled cheese contenders.
Here’s the fun part: each vote doubles as a sweepstakes entry for the grand prize — a full year’s supply of Borden Cheese and kitchen supplies.
Borden is also offering 100 instant-win swag packs, which include Borden coupons and branded merch designed to “level up” your sandwich game.
This campaign is also the kickoff to a bigger series of sandwich celebrations leading up to National Grilled Cheese Day on April 12, 2026.
Meet the contenders: four very different takes on grilled cheese
Borden isn’t just putting one “standard” grilled cheese up against another. The four options are meant to represent a range — from classic comfort to trend-driven flavor combos.
1) The Classic
The timeless, ooey-gooey grilled cheese built with Borden American and Extra Sharp Melts on buttery white bread.
If you’re a purist, this is the lane.
2) The Spicy Big Dill
Pickles are having a moment in 2026, and this sandwich leans all the way in: Borden American Singlesand Provolone Slices paired with hot and spicy dill pickles, whipped cream cheese, and ranch seasoning.
It’s tangy, spicy, creamy, crunchy — and built for trend-watchers.
3) The Crispy Onion & BBQ
A savory, texture-forward option featuring Borden Swiss Slices, crispy fried onion strings, and a tangy BBQ sauce kick.
If you like your grilled cheese with a little “cookout energy,” this one’s calling.
4) The Mad Scientist
This is the wildcard: a grilled cheese where the bread is replaced with cheesy waffles, filled with “cheese upon cheese.”
It’s playful, over-the-top, and basically designed for anyone who believes moderation is overrated.
The bigger tease: “Borden’s Grilled Cheese of the Year”
While the public vote will determine “America’s Favorite Grilled Cheese,” Borden is also building anticipation for something else: its first-ever “Grilled Cheese of the Year.”
The brand says the final recipe will be informed by culinary trends, consumer cravings, and — of course — cheese, but the details are still under wraps. The reveal is expected as part of the lead-up to National Grilled Cheese Day (April 12).
In other words: the vote is the appetizer.
Why Borden is leaning into grilled cheese right now
Borden® Cheese has long positioned itself as a family-friendly staple — made with real milk and owned by American dairy farm families. With more than 25 distinct flavors and types, the brand is using this campaign to remind shoppers that grilled cheese isn’t just a childhood throwback; it’s a flexible, modern comfort food that can move with trends.
As Jenny Mehlman, Senior Director of Marketing, Cheese, Taste & Flavors at Dairy Farmers of America, put it: Borden is kicking off National Grilled Cheese Day early with a national call to help name “America’s Favorite,” and continuing the celebration by declaring its first-ever “Grilled Cheese of the Year.”
Want in? Here’s where to vote
If you want to weigh in (and potentially score a year of free cheese), you can vote now through March 24, 2026 at:
Whether you’re Team Classic, Team Pickle, Team BBQ, or Team Mad Scientist, this is one of those low-effort, high-reward food votes that’s actually fun.
Quick takeaway
Borden® Cheese is officially turning grilled cheese season into an event — with a national vote, instant-win swag, and a grand prize that’s basically a dairy lover’s dream.
Now the only real question is: which contender are you voting for?
At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.
Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/
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Last Updated on February 27, 2026 by Daily News Staff
7 Vegetables to Grow Easily in Your Home Garden
(Family Features) Growing fresh, healthy vegetables at home may not be as hard as it sounds. Novice gardeners just need good dirt, easy plants to grow, lots of sunshine and the right amount of water.
Once you’ve prepared your garden plot, select one or all of these vegetables, which are among the easiest to grow:
- Lettuce – Plant lettuce seeds directly into the garden or a pot then repeat every two weeks. It can be cut a few weeks after planting. Some harvest lettuce by pulling it up – roots and all – but cutting a little off the top every few days can keep it growing until summer’s heat turns it too bitter.
- Spinach – This vitamin-packed green is planted and harvested just like lettuce.
- Cucumbers – Make several mounds of dirt near the edge of your garden and place 2-3 plants around the center of each. Cucumbers are notorious for growing vines that overtake other plants, so be vigilant about keeping them contained.
- Squash – Like cucumbers, summer squash is planted on small mounds at the edges of a garden so their vines can be contained. Most varieties, such as yellow squash and zucchini, are quite prolific and just a few plants can feed a large family all summer long.
- Tomatoes – Purchase plants that grow best in your area of the country from your local garden center. All plants should be staked or enclosed in tomato cages because successful plants produce an abundance of large, heavy fruit throughout the summer months.
- Bell Peppers – Bell peppers are easiest to grow from plants. Space them about 1 foot apart then watch them take off with little care required. The only real trick to growing bell peppers is knowing when to harvest. If you’re growing red, orange or yellow varieties, they’ll start out green then turn color as soon as they ripen.
- Carrots – Dig a long, shallow trench in soil that is free of rock. Sprinkle the seeds along the row, cover lightly with topsoil and wait for the top of the carrot to pop through the soil. Once a bit of orange appears, pull and enjoy.
Find more tips for growing a bountiful garden at eLivingtoday.com.
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
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Food and Beverage
A Taste of Lunar New Year in Guangdong: What to Eat, According to Consuls General in Guangzhou
If you’re spending Lunar New Year in Guangdong, there’s one place the celebration is guaranteed to be loud, colorful, and unforgettable: the dinner table.
A new report shared via PRNewswire from South spotlights how food anchors New Year traditions across the province—and offers a simple guide for international visitors wondering what to order, try, or look for while the festivities are in full swing.
The report notes that it’s the Year of the Horse, and that the Lunar New Year spirit is sweeping across Guangdong, with seasonal dishes and shared meals taking center stage.
Why Guangdong’s New Year celebration is all about food
In Guangdong (home to Cantonese cuisine and a deep culture of banquet-style dining), New Year meals aren’t just about eating—they’re about togetherness, symbolism, and starting the year on a high note.
The report emphasizes that food has long been at the heart of the region’s holiday celebrations, making it one of the easiest (and most delicious) ways for visitors to connect with local culture.
A must-try list curated by Consuls General in Guangzhou
The hook here is the source of the recommendations: the report promises an “ultimate must-try list” handpicked by Consuls General in Guangzhou—a diplomatic, international lens on what’s worth tasting during the holiday.
While the PRNewswire version points readers to the full list in the original report, the takeaway is clear: if you’re in Guangdong for Lunar New Year and want to eat like you’re part of the celebration, this guide is meant to help you start.
What to do next if you’re visiting
If you’re traveling through Guangdong during the holiday stretch, a few easy ways to use this kind of list:
- Ask restaurants what their Lunar New Year specials are
- Look for dishes meant for sharing (the New Year table is rarely a solo experience)
- Try something seasonal you wouldn’t normally order—New Year is when many families go all-in
Read more
Source: PRNewswire
At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.
Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/
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