Food traditions are at the heart of the holiday season, from recipes passed down through the generations to meals that bring people together around the table. As the food bank network, we work hard to make sure this food is available and accessible for all families, so their traditions can continue even through tough times.
What makes our accessible food unique? While much of the country slows down agriculturally in December, Florida is just getting started. Thanks to our climate, the Sunshine State enjoys one of the longest growing seasons in the country. That extended season means fresh, locally grown food is never far away– carrots, cauliflower, snapper and starfruit. There’s an abundance of fresh, seasonal food to enjoy this time of year, available at your local grocery store, farmers market, and food bank.
This inspired our Florida Nutrition Education team to create a holiday menu that’s festive, flavorful, and built around ingredients harvested fresh from Florida. With care, creativity, and a lot of fun, our team put together a complete holiday meal that highlights the best of what our state has to offer. Every recipe is approachable, nourishing, and delicious, a perfect way to enjoy wholesome, comforting food during the holidays.
Fresh Ingredients, Strong Communities
The six main ingredients featured in these recipes are strawberries, tomatoes, citrus, salad greens, zucchini, and shrimp. On the map below, you can see where these foods are grown or harvested and the communities they help support. These regions rely on strong agricultural and seafood industries that provide jobs, sustain families, and keep local food systems thriving.
Many of these foods are available at our Fresh Access Bucks (FAB) partner locations. Farmers markets, farm stands, and small farms across Florida benefit from the opportunity to grow and sell food year-round, serving both local neighbors and seasonal visitors. Shopping at these locations supports the people who grow your food while bringing fresh, high-quality ingredients home to your table.
A Holiday Menu Featuring Florida Ingredients
Strawberry Tree
We can’t think of a more festive way to start the meal than with the Strawberry Tree. In Florida, strawberries are in season from November through April, making them fresh, flavorful, and affordable this time of year. Naturally low in fat and calories, they’re packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Starting the meal with fiber-rich foods helps you feel satisfied sooner, making this a bright and nutritious beginning to a holiday spread.
Click here for the strawberry recipe>>
Citrus Salad
When cooler weather arrives, Florida’s citrus trees start shining. Many Floridians have access to backyard citrus trees or generous neighbors, making seasonal fruits easy to enjoy. This citrus salad is a perfect example of using what’s on hand. Bright, flavorful, and full of color, it pairs beautifully with richer main dishes while delivering plenty of fiber and nutrients.
Click here for the citrus salad recipe>>
Zucchini Saute
Zucchini’s deep green color makes it easy to spot, but its benefits might surprise you. Packed with vitamins A and C, as well as beta-carotene, zucchini supports eye health while adding flavor and texture. It’s versatile, affordable, and a simple way to boost the nutrient content of any dish, making it a natural choice for the holiday table.
Click here for the zucchini recipe>>
Tomato Cornbread
Cornbread is a comforting favorite for many families, bringing warmth and heartiness to any meal. Adding seasonal fruits or vegetables—like tomatoes, jalapeños, or dates—makes it extra special, adding flavor, color, and nutrients. It’s proof that comfort food can also be wholesome and satisfying.
Click here for the cornbread recipe>>
Shrimp and Grits
For a standout entrée, shrimp and grits is hard to beat. Thanks to Florida’s saltwater and freshwater resources, fresh seafood is widely available and known for quality and flavor. Shrimp are high in protein and rich in omega-3 fatty acids, supporting heart and bone health. Adding vegetables like onions, celery, tomatoes, chives, and peppers boosts color, texture, and fiber, creating a dish that’s rich, satisfying, and perfect for a holiday table.
Click here for the shrimp and grits recipe>>
Citrus Yogurt Cake
Using what you have on hand never goes out of style. This citrus cake makes full use of the fruit from earlier in the meal, including the zest, so nothing goes to waste. Substituting Greek yogurt for traditional fats keeps it moist and tender while adding protein and reducing calories. The result is a dessert that’s lighter but still indulgent and full of flavor.
Click here for the citrus cake recipe>>
A Win-Win-Win for Everyone
This holiday menu highlights what makes Florida’s food system so special: seasonal ingredients, local growers, and communities that value fresh, shared meals. Choosing locally grown foods supports farmers and markets while bringing flavorful, in-season dishes to your table. It’s a win-win-win: for our state, for the people growing the food, and for the families enjoying it.
Fresh Florida products are closer than you think.
- Check out our partners at Fresh from Florida to see what’s growing and in season across our state! And if any of these recipes inspired you, there’s plenty more where that came from. They have lots of recipes for every type of Florida product.
- Use our Fresh Access Bucks partner map to find farmers markets, farm stands, and store locations near you where these ingredients, and so many more are fresh, local, and in season.
- Need more help accessing healthy foods? FInd your local food bank on this page and visit their website to learn about their distributions, partner food pantries, and support resources available.
From all of us at Feeding Florida, we hope this meal inspires new traditions, meaningful moments, and a deeper appreciation for the incredible foods grown right here at home.