Protein-packed meals for under $10 amid federal funding freeze

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KJCT) -Nearly 11,000 Mesa County residents are facing food insecurity as the government shutdown enters its 42nd day and the SNAP benefit freeze reaches day 11.

Reporter Bella Demosthenous developed affordable meal options using minimal ingredients to help residents stretch their food budgets during the federal funding crisis.

The recipes focus on creating two protein-packed meals using six simple ingredients, with both meals costing under $10.

Pizza bagels provide 23 grams of protein

The first recipe uses bagels ($2.25), pasta sauce ($1.97), whole milk mozzarella ($1.97), and pepperoni ($3.50) to create pizza bagels with 23 grams of protein.

“I like this because it’s fun. I feel like kids would love to get involved in making their own personal pizza as well,” Demosthenous said.

She noted all ingredients are available at local food pantries or easily accessible at grocery stores.

Meatball subs deliver 26 grams of protein

The second recipe combines brat buns ($2.42 at Walmart), marinara sauce, Angus beef meatballs ($5 at Walmart), and mozzarella cheese to create meatball subs with 26 grams of protein.

The brat buns provide six grams of protein, marinara adds two grams, and mozzarella contributes six grams. Both meals are finished in the oven to melt the cheese.

With $20, the six ingredients create two different meals with enough food to serve 12 people.

For more meal recipes under $10, click HERE.