No-Stress School Snacks

When you have to supply the munchies for your kid's class or team, go with one of these smart picks.

By Sally Kuzemchak, R.D. from Parents Magazine

Share:
Save

Saved
Print
Comments

Image Source/ Veer
I used to dread my turn for what's become a ritual in many preschools and elementary schools -- sending in snacks for the whole class. For school newbies, think of it as your snack dilemma for playdates times ten. It's hard enough to find something one kid will eat, let alone 20 -- each with his own food eccentricity. Then there are a slew of school rules and sometimes pressure from other moms who think your choices are too healthy or even not healthy enough. Still, by mid-year I found a groove. By the end, I was rockin'. Share in my snack roster.
What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!
Peter Ardito

Juicy Idea

A winning alternative to the ever-popular orange slices at soccer games: a crate of clementines. They're much easier for young kids to peel and hold, and they're packed with vitamin C. 35 calories, 0 fat

What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!
Peter Ardito
Cup Holders

Use paper cups to serve finger food like this trail mix. Combine 4 cups cereal, 1 cup dried cherries, 1 cup soy nuts (they're typically safe for peanut-allergic kids, but check the label), and ? cup mini chocolate chips. Send in with 24 3-oz. cups. 82 calories, 3g fat
What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!
Sweet & Crunchy

What's better than veggies with dip? Veggies with fruit. Our fave combo: 12 purple grapes (slice for kids under age 4) and 6 sugar snap peas in a mini sealed bag. 64 calories, 0 fat

What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!
Peter Ardito
Popcorn Pouches

Kids ages 4 and over will love noshing on their own bag of air-popped corn sweetened with cinnamon and a little dried fruit. Scoop about 2 to 3 cups into a small paper bag and seal with a sticker. 118 calories, 1g fat
What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!
Peter Ardito
Blue Bagels

Smash ? cup fresh blueberries into 1 cup reduced-fat cream cheese, or puree frozen ones in the blender and mix in. Spread 2 Tbs. cheese on mini whole-wheat bagels (Pepperidge Farm and Sara Lee make them). Each child gets half a bagel. 93 calories, 3g fat
What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!
Peter Ardito
Dessert Downsized

Make mini banana, blueberry, bran, or carrot muffins from your favorite healthy recipe, or search parents.com/food for some inspiration. 81 calories, 2 g fat
What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!
Apple Twist

Make classic snacks a little, well, cooler. Freeze small containers of unsweetened applesauce overnight for a slushy treat -- and a serving of fruit. Or do the same with low-fat yogurt. 50 calories, 0 fat

What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!
Peter Ardito
Fruity Franks

This snack is so clever the kids will tell their moms about it: Spread the inside of a whole-wheat hot dog bun with 1 1/2 tablespoons of sunflower butter (it's typically safe for nut-free schools; check the label to be sure). Place a peeled banana inside and slice down the middle. Each kid gets half. 187 calories, 7g fat
What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!
Michael Kraus

A Cut Above

If your kid's school gives snack after recess, send in watermelon on a warm day to help re-hydrate the class. Slice like pizza so kids have the rind to hold onto to. 40 calories, 0 fat

What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!
Peter Ardito
Ladybugs on a Log

If your school's nut-free policy squashes traditional ants on a log, fill 3" to 4" long celery sticks with about 2 Tbs. Laughing Cow light cheese spread and dot with dried cranberries. 89 calories, 3g fat
What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!
Peter Ardito
Out of the Box

Need a snack last-minute? Buy a few packages of Annie's Homegrown Berry Berry Granola bars. They're whole grain and have a reasonable 5 grams of sugar per serving. 120 calories, 4g fat
What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!
In Shape

Fill round whole-grain pitas with hummus and shredded carrot -- a yummy combo. Slice into quarters for easy handling; each kid gets two. 114 calories, 2g fat

Originally published in the September 2011 issue of Parents magazine.
What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!