I've planted some berries in the hopes of having some perennial fruit, and they are doing really well this spring!
It's too late to plant spring wheat, but I will be planning ahead for September-ish and getting a winter wheat "crop" in.
I am thinking that this weekend I will try to plant some sweet corn - perhaps a single seed packet if I can still find one at a garden shop.
My approach has been to try something, learn, get better. That's the best advice I can give.
If you're looking at maximizing nutritional value, sweet potatoes might be a good bet. You eat the leaves and the tubers. Similarly to potatoes, you can grow a large quantity in a small area.
If you're looking for luxury items that may be hard to find in a shortage, then you have a lot of options. Though they might take more or less skill depending on the crop and climate. (Like artichokes).
What crops are optimal for a small personal garden in the US?