I recently created a collection of foods that require very little cooking or cleanup for an elderly friend who lives alone. The foods had to meet the following criteria:
* easy prep
* easy cleanup
* nutritious
* tasty
* shelf stable
These are _not_ the least expensive way to feed yourself. But they may help someone who finds food prep to be difficult. I would go heavy on the Soups and Stews, as they're the most nutritious and easy to prep, and use the other categories to add flavor and variety.
Soups and Stews
* [chili](https://www.amazon.com/Skyline-Chili-Microwaveable-Pouch/dp/B071RPG2P9)
* [beef stew](https://www.amazon.com/True-Primal-Gluten-free-Grain-free-Microwavable/dp/B072FRVJSM/)
* [Tasty Bites](https://www.seriouseats.com/2013/01/taste-test-tasty-bite-instant-indian-food-microwave-slideshow.html)
* [vegetable soup](https://www.amazon.com/Dr-McDougalls-Right-Foods-Sustainably-Managed/dp/B0040WAM5C)
* [ramen noodles](https://firstwefeast.com/eat/2015/10/a-ramen-expert-recommends-the-10-most-underrated-instant-noodles)
* [miso soup](http://www.tsubisoup.com/)
* [instant rice](https://www.amazon.com/Minute-Instant-Enriched-Grain-White/dp/B001BGTRTW)
Vegetables
* [potato flakes](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004UAWYBO/)
* [potato shreds](https://www.amazon.com/Augason-Farms-Dehydrated-Potato-Shreds/dp/B00FTEUTMQ)
* [popcorn](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0098IOL2S/)
Meat
* [tuna](https://www.amazon.com/Variety-Pack-Starkist-BOLD-Creations/dp/B075CV5CFQ)
* [sardines](https://www.amazon.com/Crown-Prince-Skinless-Boneless-3-75-Ounce/dp/B000EEWZF0/)
* [pemmican](https://www.amazon.com/Buffalo-Cranberries-Tanka-Smoked-Original/dp/B005JXHLBY)
Fruits
* [canned pineapple](https://www.amazon.com/Dole-Pineapple-Tidbits-Juice-Ounce/dp/B01M8KX6HM)
* [canned peaches](https://www.amazon.com/Del-Monte-Canned-Peaches-14-5-Ounce/dp/B07H4KCZDV)
* [raisins](https://www.amazon.com/365-Everyday-Value-Organic-Raisins/dp/B074MG7CF7/)
* [dried banana](https://www.amazon.com/365-Everyday-Value-Sweetened-Banana/dp/B074MHK478/)
* [dried mango](https://www.amazon.com/365-Everyday-Value-Organic-Sliced/dp/B074MFSZZW)
* [dried cranberry](https://www.amazon.com/Ocean-Spray-Craisins-Dried-Cranberries/dp/B013QU0TY2)
Beverages
* [powdered milk](https://www.amazon.com/Whole-Milk-Powder-12-Available/dp/B00IYRDTTA/)
* [coconut water](https://www.amazon.com/Premium-Natural-Coconut-Drinks-Gluten/dp/B06XNJ7P97)
* [chocolate milk](https://www.amazon.com/Ghirardelli-Chocolate-Beverage-48-Ounce-Canister/dp/B0019SE6M0/)
* [Tang](https://www.amazon.com/Tang-Orange-Powdered-Drink-Count/dp/B071XGRNMV/)
* [Ketochow](https://www.amazon.com/Keto-Chow-Replacement-nutrition-Ketogenic/dp/B078CJSKY8)
Nuts
* [mixed nuts](https://www.amazon.com/365-Everyday-Value-Roasted-Salted/dp/B074H738J8)
* [almond butter](https://www.amazon.com/365-Everyday-Value-Almond-Butter/dp/B074H51QN4)
* [peanut butter](https://www.amazon.com/365-Everyday-Value-Organic-Unsweeteend/dp/B074H5ZHVZ)
Bread and Crackers
* [pilot crackers](https://www.amazon.com/Sailor-Boy-Pilot-Bread-Crackers/dp/B07DWFG8RY/)
* [wasa crispbread](https://www.amazon.com/Wasa-Gluten-Sesame-Crispbread-Ounce/dp/B077Z5N2FC)
* [mealsquares](https://mealsquares.com/products/subscription-box-1)
Dairy
* [canned cheese](https://pleasanthillgrain.com/bega-canned-cheese-storable)
* [canned butter](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004RR8Y0A/)
Condiments
* [soy sauce](https://www.amazon.com/Kikkoman-Sauce-64-Ounce-Bottle-Pack/dp/B00060OHZS/)
* [marmalade](https://www.amazon.com/Smuckers-Sweet-Orange-Marmalade-Ounce/dp/B06WRT2PQM)
* [apricot preserves](https://www.amazon.com/Smuckers-Apricot-Preserves-12-Ounce/dp/B06VW4QHR5)
Deserts
* [chocolate bars](https://www.amazon.com/Dove-Chocolate-Singles-1-44-Ounce-18-Count/dp/B0060455DW/)
* [twinkies](https://www.amazon.com/Hostess-Twinkies-Sponge-Creamy-Filling/dp/B004ZXYH48/)