These 5 Grocery Items Help Our Editor-in-Chief Feed Her Family When Life Gets Hectic — and They’re All From Target
August is a month of change: Vacation is ending, school is starting, and the lazy days of summer are about to get not-at-all lazy. It can be a rocky transition, but it’s made easier when the whole family goes through it together. That’s why August is Family Month on Kitchn: to remind you of little ways to keep family first. Kitchn Editor-in-Chief Faith Durand knows just how to pull it off while keeping the whole family happy.
“August is the month of family vacations and reunions, but then it swiftly turns toward back-to-school season,” she says. “Personally, with two young children in school, I want easy snacks and simple family dinners.”
For that, she heads straight to Target, whose exclusive Good & Gather line combines high-quality ingredients with unbeatable convenience. Here are Faith’s favorite picks for snacks and meals that are filling, healthy, and easy. Because it takes a while to truly come back from vacation.
1. Strawberry Banana Lowfat Kids’ Yogurt Pouches
This wholesome treat delivers a boost of Vitamins A and D without any artificial sweeteners, colors, or preservatives. “I’m so glad for an excuse to share my four-year-old’s favorite snack of all time,” Faith says. “She loves these ‘pink pouches’ from Target, and I like that the price is lower than other brands.”
2. Frozen Four-Cheese Gnocchi
“A simple dinner winner, straight from the freezer,” Faith says of this rich and creamy pasta packed with gorgonzola, Grana Padano, Pecorino Romano, and mozzarella cheese. Try adding Italian sausage or sautéed broccoli rabe, and don’t forget the side salad.
3. Frozen Vegetable Spring Rolls
“My kids have really been into spring rolls lately,” Faith says. “I’ve been offering up these all-vegetable versions, flash-cooked in the air fryer.” Stuffed with edamame, kale, cabbage, carrots, onions, tofu, and mushrooms, they make dinner at home feel like a restaurant treat. Make it a homemade-takeout night with simple sesame noodles or a quick stir-fry.
4. Tropical Fruit Frozen Blend
“My kids are smoothie fiends,” Faith says. “I like this tropical blend to mix up our usual strawberry-banana rotation.” In a smoothie, dessert, or on its own as a healthy snack, this refreshing mix of mango, peach, pineapple, and banana keeps summer vibes alive.
5. Squeezable Authentic Guacamole
“Guac? From a squeeze tube? Yes! My kids can plow through the guacamole,” Faith says. “It makes nearly any meal a little better.” Squeezable guac is a must for Taco Tuesday and makes a healthy lunchbox snack with some sliced veggies. The ingenious packaging keeps the guacamole fresh and tasty, even on the go.