How This Graphic Designer Grocery Shops for After-School Snacks, WFH Lunches, and Cozy Weekend Breakfasts
Name: Jenn Powell
Location: Cochecton, NY
Age: 48
Number of people in household: 5
Occupation: Influencer/Owner, Jenn Powell Designs
Where you shopped: ACME®
Grocery hauls aren’t just what you fill your cart with: They’re also the possibilities that spring from a single trip to the store. Inside all those shopping bags are potlucks with friends, family game nights, comfort meals when we need them most, and nutritious starts to the school day. So we don’t only want to know what ingredients folks are buying — we also want to know what moments they’re making with them.
For lifestyle creator and graphic designer Jenn Powell, those moments include a relaxing WFH respite, a healthy family snack for afternoons on the go, and a date-night dinner that everyone loves. Despite her remote lifestyle in upstate New York, she can find everything she needs at her local ACME®. With reliably fresh produce, high-quality pantry staples, and delicious premade shortcuts, ACME® helps Jenn prep for even the busiest week. Here’s how she does it.
What’s your grocery strategy?
The early bird gets the worm — and everything on her shopping list, too. “I like to shop first thing in the morning before it gets busy,” Jenn says. “I usually find the store is freshly packing their shelves.” She also makes sure to hit the deli section for shortcuts like premade salads and hard cheeses to slice for lunches.
How do you meal plan?
Jenn likes to be prepared, but she also leaves room for spontaneity. “I plan at least 3–4 meals for the week that are easy and nutritious,” she says. “But produce shopping is fun for me. I like to see what my store has that week and plan a meal around it.” She also bakes a few treats to have on hand for dessert.
Ham and Swiss Rollups with Fruit Salad and Brownies: School Lunch Prep
Most evenings, Jenn preps the kids’ lunches for the next day. Their number one request? Her DIY snackable lunch kits with meat, cheese, veggies, and more. “I like to make them fun!” she says. “I can make the presentation cute and know they’re eating well.”
Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad: Healthy Weekday WFH Lunch
Like many of us, Jenn spends most of her day in front of a screen, so she makes sure to schedule a half hour for exercise and an hour for eating and relaxing. A light but satisfying lunch like grilled chicken Caesar salad helps her stay energized. “If I don’t eat well I get sluggish, and it ruins the rest of the day,” she says.
Crab Cakes with Asparagus and Yellow Rice: Date Night In
Jenn can count on crab cakes for a simple dinner with a fancy feel. “This is our special dinner menu,” she says. “It feels higher end compared to a regular dinner.” Crucially, it’s also something that everyone in the house will eat!
Italian Calzone: On-the-Go After-School Snack
Jenn’s family is always on the move, shuttling between activities like her son’s basketball practice and her daughter’s horseback riding sessions. (They own a dappled gray named Goose.) “I don’t want to deal with ‘I’m hungry but I don’t want that,'” Jenn says. “I discovered calzones are a perfect solution.” Filled with broccoli, mushroom, and ricotta, they deliver nutrition while keeping the kids happy. Plus, they’re easy to prep in advance.
Homemade Danish and Yogurt Parfaits: Sunday Morning Family Breakfast
On Sunday mornings, the family slows down and enjoys breakfast together. “Weekends are a quiet moment after crazy weeks,” Jenn says. “I usually bake something, like fruit and cheese danish. My daughter and I set up a yogurt parfait bar so everyone can make their own. It’s a chance to reconnect for the remainder of the weekend and look ahead to the next week.”