Healthy, Thrifty Holiday Menus

Make Tasty, Affordable Holiday Menus with SNAP-Ed Connection recipes!

Each menu has vegetarian options.

All recipes meet the USDA Criteria. Menus were not designed to meet requirements for any USDA or other government food assistance program.

January

New Year's Day

New year, new resolutions. Black-eye peas are a traditional New Year's dish for some people and a healthy way to start the year. Visit Healthy Eating to get resources on fruits and vegetables, whole grains, protein, and dairy. These are great resources for SNAP-Ed nutrition education classes.

Lunar New Year

Try these healthy and low-cost recipes to celebrate the coming of a new year. 2026 is the year of the Horse.
Game Day

A collection of snacks to keep people fueled during the big game. Indoor physical activities can be done during time outs and commercial breaks. Discussing ways to be active during cooking classes is a great way include physical activity themes!
Valentine's Day

This heart-healthy meal is a great way to say, "I love you!" MyPlate includes lean proteins for heart health. You can find more resources for fruits and vegetables, whole grains, protein, and dairy from Healthy Eating with MyPlate. The resources are primarily from SNAP-Ed organizations.

Ramadan

A meal that is full of nourishing, hydrating, and delicious foods is perfect during the month of Ramadan.
St. Patrick's Day

These lower-fat and sodium alternatives to traditional favorites still celebrate the day in a tasty way! If you are looking for more resources for your SNAP-Ed Cooking class, there is a whole section of Cooking resources. These are primarily created by other SNAP-Ed programs.

April Fool's Day

It's breakfast for dinner! Spinach and meat cakes make a great alternative to bacon or sausages. If you are teaching a SNAP-Ed Cooking class, you can use Food Safety resources to teach about proper meat handling.
Passover

A delicious and nourishing meal to share with friends and family at Passover.
Easter

A collection of fresh flavors for a spring day that also makes use of the eggs gathered in a morning hunt! Leftover eggs are a great opportunity to teach Cooking skills and how to reduce food waste during SNAP-Ed cooking classes.

Cinco de Mayo

This Latin-inspired menu includes fresh, healthy flavors.
Mother's Day

This healthy, homemade breakfast menu is a great way to make Mother's Day a special day for moms and grandmothers.
Memorial Day

A day to gather together and remember those who gave their lives in service to our country.

Father's Day

A great menu for treating dad to a tasty, homemade meal this Father's Day to say "thanks" for all he does.

4th of July

Indoors or out, this summer menu makes the most of seasonal favorites.

Farmers Market Week

A trip to the Farmers Market is a great way to start a delicious meal. Learn about Farmers Markets in SNAP-Ed!

Labor Day

Celebrate the last days of summer with these recipes. A perfect way to use up some of those fresh fruits and vegetables you have on hand.
Oktoberfest

Did you know that Oktoberfest actually begins in September? Celebrate the harvest season with these healthy recipes.

Halloween

This quick, kid-friendly menu will provide nutritious fuel for all the ghosts and goblins.

Thanksgiving

Gobble! Gobble! We've got recipes for Thanksgiving that are sure to be a hit.
Thanksgiving Leftover Ideas

Hanukkah

Leftover applesauce from the dessert can be passed at the table to accompany the latkes.
Christmas

A collection of favorites that help celebrate the Christmas season without breaking the bank. Thrifty recipes that can be prepared at home will save money and still create a special meal.