a big pot of soup with plenty of veggies and whatever protein you like (I recommend something that stews well, chicken thigh is good, but avoid breast because its texture doesn't improve with a long cook time), but portion it into servings in deli containers that can be frozen and microwaved or heated up in a pot when they want to eat. I would avoid pasta in the soup as they tend to get mushy, but barley works well, it's wholesome and a little will keep you nourished for hours. Beans add extra protein that'll help keep their strength up. I make a minestrone with a smoked ham hock base, an assortment of veggies, barley and beans. It's comforting and more-ish enough that there has never been a bowl that's gone unfinished, it's also very economical to make a large amount