Easy Dinners from the Store

Sometimes, families are very busy. Moms and dads have to drive kids to soccer, help with homework, and do many other things. This can make it hard to cook a big dinner every night.

A mom named Jennifer knows all about this! She has two busy boys. She found a way to make tasty and healthy dinners quickly. She gets help from a store called Trader Joe’s. Trader Joe’s sells meals that are already made. Some are in the freezer. Some are in the refrigerator. You just heat them up!

This news story was shared in the fall of 2024, when Jennifer told everyone about her favorite quick meals.

Jennifer loves the broccoli and cheese quiche. It is a pie with eggs and vegetables. It comes out of the oven warm and yummy. Her family also likes the Italian-style meatballs. She can put them on pasta or make a meatball sandwich.

When she wants something with vegetables, she picks the Asian-style mix. It has carrots, corn, and broccoli with a tasty sauce. She can even add grilled chicken strips to it. The chicken strips are already cooked, so she can put them in salads or soups.

Jennifer says these meals taste like you cooked them all day, but they are ready in minutes. This helps her family sit down together for a good dinner, even on the busiest nights. It is a happy solution for a busy family!

Vocabulary Words

Busy – Having a lot of things to do.
Healthy – Good for your body.
Freezer – The very cold part of the refrigerator that keeps food frozen.
Meatballs – Small, round balls made from cooked meat.
Solution – An answer to a problem.

Comprehension Questions

Why does Jennifer need quick dinners?
A. She does not like to cook.
B. Her family is very busy.
C. She does not have a stove.
D. The store is very far away.
Where does Jennifer get her quick meals?
A. At a restaurant
B. At a farm
C. At Trader Joe’s store
D. At her friend’s house
What is one meal Jennifer’s family likes?
A. Pepperoni pizza
B. Italian-style meatballs
C. Chocolate cake
D. Peanut butter sandwiches
The Asian-style mix has which vegetables?
A. Peas and onions
B. Carrots, corn, and broccoli
C. Lettuce and tomatoes
D. Potatoes and beans
When was this news story first shared?
A. In the summer
B. In the spring of 2025
C. In the fall of 2024
D. Last week