Celebrate National Food Day with Healthy, Affordable, and Sustainable Cooking

National Food Day is a time to focus on healthy, affordable, and sustainable food choices across the United States. This day encourages everyone to look closely at how food is grown, distributed, and shared and to make small changes that have a big impact on health and the environment.

From learning more about where your ingredients come from to participating in local events or hosting a healthy bake sale, National Food Day invites communities to come together through food that nourishes both people and the planet. Educating yourself about the food system, joining local food drives, and cooking with whole ingredients are all great ways to celebrate.

Why This Matters for Everyone

Health
Eating real food can help reduce chronic disease risk, maintain steady energy, and support long-term well-being.

Affordability
Healthy eating does not need to be expensive. With seasonal produce and smart planning, you can prepare whole, balanced meals that fit your budget.

Planet
Our daily food choices have a powerful effect on climate change, soil health, and water conservation. Choosing sustainably sourced, plant-forward foods helps protect natural resources.

Justness
Every community deserves access to affordable, nutritious food. A fair food system ensures that no one is left behind and that sustainability is within reach for everyone.

Bringing Real Food into the Kitchen

Cooking with real ingredients is one of the most effective ways to make a positive impact on your health and the planet. At Select Brands, our appliances are designed to make sustainable cooking easier, more efficient, and family-friendly.

Below are four healthy recipes created with Select Brands appliances that help reduce waste, highlight fresh ingredients, and make every meal a celebration of National Food Day.

Hearty Vegetable and Lentil Stew with the 7 Quart Digital Slow Cooker

This slow-cooked lentil stew is full of plant-based protein, fiber, and hearty vegetables. It’s perfect for batch cooking, family dinners, or healthy potlucks.

Ingredients (Serves 6)

• 1 ½ cups dry green or brown lentils, rinsed
  
• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
  
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, no salt added
  
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  
• 2 celery stalks, diced
  
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
  
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
  
• 1 zucchini, chopped
  
• 2 cups baby spinach
  
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
  
• 1 tsp dried thyme
  
• ½ tsp black pepper
  
• Salt to taste
  

Instructions

1. Add lentils, broth, tomatoes, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, zucchini, paprika, thyme, and pepper to the 7 Quart Digital Slow Cooker.
   
2. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
   
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until lentils are tender.
   
4. Stir in spinach during the final 15 minutes of cooking.
   
5. Season with salt and serve warm with whole-grain bread.
   

This recipe is freezer-friendly and makes an excellent option for meal prepping sustainable, nutritious lunches.

Whole Grain Waffles in the X Wing Four Waffle Maker

These light, fluffy waffles feature whole grains for sustained energy and a hearty flavor. Top them with seasonal fruit for a wholesome breakfast that supports sustainable eating.

Ingredients (Makes 6 to 8 waffles)

• 1 cup whole wheat flour
  
• ¼ cup rolled oats
  
• 2 tsp baking powder
  
• 1 tbsp honey or pure maple syrup
  
• 1 large egg
  
• 1 cup low-fat milk or plant-based milk
  
• 2 tbsp melted coconut oil
  
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
  
• Pinch of salt
  

Instructions

1. Preheat the X Wing Four Waffle Maker.
   
2. In a medium bowl, mix flour, oats, baking powder, and salt.
   
3. In another bowl, whisk together egg, milk, coconut oil, honey, and vanilla until smooth.
   
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients and stir until batter forms.
   
5. Pour batter into the waffle maker and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until golden brown.
   
6. Serve with fresh berries or a spoonful of Greek yogurt.
   

These waffles are freezer-friendly and easy to reheat, making them perfect for busy mornings.

Crispy Air Fried Veggie Tacos with the TRU Air Fryer

Air frying is an excellent way to enjoy crispy, flavorful meals with little oil. These veggie tacos are full of color, texture, and nutrients all while keeping sustainability at the center of your meal.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  
• 1 zucchini, sliced
  
• 1 small red onion, sliced
  
• 1 cup broccoli florets
  
• 1 tbsp olive oil
  
• 1 tsp chili powder
  
• ½ tsp garlic powder
  
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
  
• Salt and pepper to taste
  
• 8 corn tortillas
  
• Optional toppings avocado, salsa, Greek yogurt
  

Instructions

1. Preheat the TRU Air Fryer to 375°F.
   
2. Toss the vegetables with olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
   
3. Place in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
   
4. Warm tortillas and fill them with the roasted vegetables.
   
5. Add desired toppings and serve immediately.
   

This recipe reduces waste by using fresh, whole ingredients and offers a vibrant, plant-forward meal option.

Green Energy Smoothie with the Toastmaster 48 oz Blender

This smoothie is simple, refreshing, and nutrient-dense. It’s a quick way to refuel with whole fruits and vegetables while cutting back on packaging waste.

Ingredients (Serves 1)

• 1 cup fresh spinach
  
• 1 banana
  
• ½ cup frozen pineapple chunks
  
• ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
  
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
  
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
  

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients to your Toastmaster 48oz Blender.
   
2. Blend for 30 to 45 seconds until smooth.
   
3. Pour into a reusable tumbler and enjoy immediately.
   

This drink provides a clean energy boost, supports hydration, and makes sustainable eating simple.

A Simple Sustainable Menu for Your Next Gathering

Here is a healthy, affordable, and planet-friendly menu idea for celebrating National Food Day at your next potluck or bake sale.

• Veggie loaded lentil and quinoa salad with fresh herbs and whole grains
  

• Roasted sweet potatoes and chickpeas seasoned with cumin and parsley
  

• Whole wheat banana oat cookies made with overripe bananas to reduce food waste
  

• Homemade veggie hummus with whole grain crackers for a protein-packed snack
  

• Locally sourced fruit platter highlighting seasonal produce
  

Bringing It All Together

National Food Day reminds us that small choices in our kitchens can lead to big changes in our food system. Cooking at home, using real ingredients, and supporting sustainable practices all help create a healthier future.

With Select Brands appliances, you can make nutritious meals that fit your lifestyle and your values. Every recipe shared, every potluck hosted, and every real food choice moves us closer to a more sustainable tomorrow.

Find more healthy recipes and sustainable cooking inspiration at selectbrands.com.

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FAQs

What is the goal of National Food Day

National Food Day promotes eating real, whole foods that are affordable, accessible, and sustainably produced.

How can I celebrate National Food Day in my community

You can host a healthy potluck, volunteer at a local food pantry, or attend a community cooking event focused on real food education.

Why are sustainable appliances important

Energy-efficient appliances from Select Brands help reduce kitchen waste, conserve energy, and make it easier to prepare nutritious meals at home.

What are simple ways to start eating more sustainably

Begin by cooking with seasonal produce, buying in bulk to reduce packaging, and planning meals that use every ingredient to minimize waste.