Preparing children for school can be a hectic time for families. From getting school supplies to health check-ups and vaccinations, there is a lot to do in a short amount of time. The Oakland County Health Division is here to take something off your plate: school snacks. Check out the recipes below that are fast, nutritious and fun to make with your children. Kick off the school year by trying something new! Many ingredients can be purchased at farmers markets or grocery stores using SNAP/ EBT food benefits.
Fruit-Based
Apple Sandwiches: Mini sandwiches made with apple slices, nut butter and dried fruit (Prep: 10 minutes)
Eagle Nest: Peach halves topped with cottage cheese and dried fruit (Prep: 10 minutes)
Fresh Fruit with Cinnamon Yogurt Dip: Apple, orange and banana slices with creamy yogurt sauce (Prep: 10 minutes)
Dried Bananas: Oven-baked, crunchy banana chips with cinnamon seasoning (Prep: 5 minutes) (Cook: 2 hours)
Vegetable-based
Mini Caprese Bites: Use toothpicks to hold cherry tomatoes, basil leaves and cheese cubes (Prep: 5 minutes)
Chickpea Dip: Create your twist on hummus dip for carrot and celery sticks (Prep: 10 minutes)
Cucumber, Yogurt and Herb Dip: Make your own zesty tzatziki dip for grape tomatoes, broccoli florets and more (Prep: 10 minutes)
Bugs on a Log: Crunchy celery stalks and carrot sticks filled with soft cream cheese and topped with dried fruit and nuts (Prep: 10 minutes)
Grain-based
PB & J Banana Topped Rice Cake: Use premade rice cakes for peanut butter, jelly and banana sandwiches instead of bread for a crunchier texture (Prep: 5 minutes)
Fruit Pizza To Go: Toasted English muffins smeared with cream cheese then topped with blueberries, mandarin oranges and more (Prep: 5 minutes) (Cook: 2 minutes)
Mini Cucumber Sandwiches: A classic tea-time snack with cucumbers, yogurt and seasonings (Prep: 15 minutes)
Baked Tortilla Chips: Make your own oven-baked whole wheat flour or corn flour tortilla chips with salsa, hummus or avocado dip (Prep: 5 minutes) (Cook: 10 minutes)
Desserts
Crunchy Berry Parfait: A cup of yogurt sprinkled with granola or crunchy cereal and any fruit (Prep: 5 minutes)
Microwave Baked Apple: A warm whole apple filled with brown sugar and cinnamon (Prep: 10 minutes) (Cook: 6-10 minutes)
Frozen Fruit Pops: Fill and freeze ice cube trays or cups with fruit, juice and yogurt (Prep: 3 minutes) (Cook: 1-2 hours)
Many of these ingredients can be purchased at farmers markets or grocery stores using SNAP/ EBT food benefits. Click here to find a farmers market near you.
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