September marks the end of summer vacation for kids across Canada and families nationwide are starting to get back to their usual routine. This of course means a busier schedule that has parents everywhere running around between work, after-school activities and family events.

It’s easy to get so busy that meals seem almost like an afterthought. We all want to feed our families the best foods, but convenience and simplicity are pretty important too when it comes to preparing meals. . I think we can all agree that after paying for back-to-school supplies, fees and other costs, we are all looking for ways to stretch our dollars and keep our budgets intact.

This is why I am choosing to get back into our usual routine with Great Value foods from Walmart. The Great Value brand offers comparable quality and flavour as national brands but at a great price.

One way I love to simplify making school and work lunches is by using dinner leftovers- especially after having a dinner the kids love, like spaghetti and meatballs! Walmart offers everything you need to make a great spaghetti in 15 minutes with their Great Value Italian Style Beef Meatballs, Great Value Spaghetti and Great Value Pasta Sauce. I love knowing I can put together a dinner that will get eaten faster than a pizza can be delivered!

Leftover meatballs are a great protein to use in lunches for the next day to make Mediterranean Meatball Wraps (read on for the recipe) I pack the wraps along with a Great Value (peanut-free) Granola Bar, Great Value Cheese Strings, and Great Value Drinkable Yogurt.

My local Walmart is a Supercentre . That means I’m also able to pick up fresh produce to include for a super healthy and fun lunch. Talk about convenience, I love one-stop shopping!

The meatballs went over so well with the girls. They both wolfed down the wraps without even realizing they were eating raw kale!

The Great Value products also cover a range of different foods that are perfect for providing quick breakfast solutions for busy school mornings; it offers everything from yogurt to frozen waffles and even Great Value K-Cup coffee for Mom and Dad.

Mediterranean Meatball Wrap

Ingredients:

Great Value Italian Style Beef Meatballs, 6/wrap
Great Value 100% Whole Wheat Tortillas 10″
Roasted Garlic Hummus
Curly Kale
Great Value Fat-Free Plain 0% Stirred Yogurt
Red Pepper, Sliced in Strips

Directions:

Heat Meatballs according to package instructions.

Spread hummus over tortilla – as much or as little as you like.

Cover the hummus with kale leaves.

Spoon the yogurt down the centre of the tortilla and top with red pepper.

Place the meatballs down the line of the yogurt.

Roll up firmly to enclose the filling.

Cut in half and enjoy!