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by Elizabeth Magee, LRD
Gross. No one wants to talk about it, but there’s no avoiding it: School is starting. Which means summer is ending. It’s a little depressing for most, I think. Yes, a schedule and routine are always helpful, but with that comes having to plan meals and snacks; something I think a lot of parents dread!! The kids suddenly expect meals to be on the table, like every day. And the backpacks, snack drawers, and pantries filled with snacks. That takes thought. And planning. It feels aggressive.
I’m here to help!! Sending food to school has become tricky with food allergies, which I get. Some are so severe that they add a lot of anxiety to those parents.
Here are some options that can generally be considered to send to school for snacks.
- Fruits and veggies – Though not voted exciting by our youth, these are an excellent option to get those extra servings – more fiber, more vitamins, solid nutrition. Add some dip, send them plain, just make sure they are washed, cut and chopped to enhance the chance of them being eaten.
- Popcorn – Whole grain, salty, crunchy, satisfying!!
- Yogurt – A great option if it can stay cold until snack time! Throw them in the freezer to have them thawed out by morning snack time.
- Rice cakes – Another crunchy treat that can be sweet or salty.
- Crackers and string cheese – Old faithful in my book. Carbs and protein with a side of calcium.
- Granola bars and applesauce are standard options that can sit in a locker or cubby and not expire or need to be in the fridge.
The important thing with snacks is to remember that they serve a purpose. Yes, they will help with hunger, but they are also there to fill nutrition gaps. So, think about where they may be lacking: fruits or veggies, protein, calcium, healthy fats. Take inventory of what your kids need a boost of and capitalize on that! Throw it into Pinterest, or ChatGPT – see if you can come up with something new, creative, or better yet – something your kid will eat without complaint!! Don’t complicate things. Get them involved in your search; it certainly can’t hurt!
Snacks are here to serve a purpose!! Just maybe don’t tell your kids that 😉
Elizabeth Magee is a licensed registered dietitian. Her posts appear monthly on OYT.
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