Hawaii Foodbank’s Senior Food Box Program is a healthy way to take care of our kupuna in need by supplementing their diets with nutritious food staples. Oahu seniors 60 years and older may qualify to receive a monthly box of basic items such as milk, juice, cereal, rice, beans, canned meats, poultry, fruits and vegetables. The Foodbank packs and delivers the boxes to various local organizations that determine eligibility and distribute boxes. For information or to volunteer, call 836-3600, ext. 238, or visit hawaiifoodbank.org.

This week we’re sharing simple yet tasty recipes that can appeal to your favorite kupuna.

Korean Chicken and Vegetable Noodles

» 8 ounces sweet potato noodles (available in the Asian section), cooked according to package directions
» 1 teaspoon sesame oil, divided
» 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
» 2 teaspoons agave or honey
» 1 teaspoon canola oil
» 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 3/4-inch pieces
» 1/2 red bell pepper, halved and thinly sliced
» 2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into matchsticks
» 4 fresh shiitake mushrooms, thinly sliced
» 2 garlic cloves, minced
» 1 (packed) cup fresh spinach

Toss noodles with 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil.

In medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce and agave or honey. Set aside.

In large nonstick skillet over medium-high, heat canola oil. Add chicken and cook until barely cooked through. Add bell pepper, carrots and mushrooms; cook 1 minute. Add garlic and spinach; cook until spinach is just wilted.

Add noodles, soy sauce mixture and remaining sesame oil and cook, tossing with tongs, until noodles are heated through, about 1 minute. Serves 6.

Approximate nutritional information, per serving: 210 calories, 2.5 g fat, no saturated fat, 20 mg cholesterol, 500 mg sodium, 39 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 4 g sugar, 8 g protein

Poached Egg Brown Rice Bowl

» 8 teaspoons rice wine vinegar, divided
» 2 tablespoons white miso
» 1/4 cup plus 5 teaspoons water, divided
» 4 teaspoons sesame oil, divided
» 2 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce
» 2 teaspoons brown sugar
» 3 cups trimmed and thinly sliced kale
» 2 cups thinly sliced radish
» 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
» 2 teaspoons butter
» 2 teaspoons minced garlic
» 1-1/2 cups cooked brown rice
» 4 large eggs
» 2 teaspoons sesame seeds, toasted

In small bowl, whisk together 2 teaspoons vinegar, miso and 5 teaspoons water; set aside.

In large bowl, combine remaining vinegar, 2 teaspoons sesame oil, soy sauce and sugar. Add kale, radish and green onions; toss to coat.

Heat large nonstick skillet over medium-high. Add butter and remaining 2 teaspoons sesame oil. Add garlic; saute 30 seconds. Add rice and saute 5 minutes or until lightly browned.

Stir in kale mixture; remove pan from heat. Remove rice mixture from pan; keep warm.

Wipe pan with paper towels and return to medium-high heat. Gently break eggs into pan. Pour 1/4 cup water around eggs; cover and cook 3 minutes or until desired degree of doneness. Place about 1-1/4 cups rice mixture each into 4 shallow bowls. Top each serving with 1 egg and about 1 tablespoon miso mixture. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serves 4.

Approximate nutritional information, per serving: 280 calories, 13 g fat, 3.5 g saturated fat, 190 mg cholesterol, 500 mg sodium, 31 g carbohydrate, 4 g fiber, 5 g sugar, 11 g protein

Asian Coleslaw with Spicy Soy Sesame Dressing

» 3 to 4 cups coleslaw (carrots, green and red cabbage)
» 1 cup precooked edamame, blanched
» 2 small radish, thinly sliced
» Optional condiments: slivered almonds, toasted sesame seeds, shichimi togarashi or chili flakes

Dressing:
» 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
» 1/2 cup brown sugar
» 1/4 cup sesame oil
» 2 tablespoons almond butter
» 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
» 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
» 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
» 1 to 2 tablespoons shichimi togarashi (Japanese seven-spice blend) or chili flakes, to taste
» Salt and sugar, to taste

To make dressing, combine all ingredients and adjust seasonings to taste; set aside.

In large bowl, mix all the vegetables well; add dressing and mix well.

Chill until ready to serve. Just before serving, toss with optional condiments. Serves 4.

Approximate nutritional information, per serving (not including salt and sugar to taste or condiments): 380 calories, 21 g fat, 2.5 g saturated fat, no cholesterol, 600 mg sodium, 42 g carbohydrate, 6 g fiber, 30 g sugar, 8 g protein

More Hawaiian Electric Co. recipes are available at hawaiianelectric.com.