Healthy Snack Alternatives for Kids

The nonprofit group Center for Science in the Public Interest has released a list of unhealthy snacks that are commonly served in vending machines in schools, which are often filled with soda, candy bars, cookies, chips and other low-nutrition foods,plus a list of more healthy choices.

Another big problem is that many kids use these vending machines and 'snacks' as an alternative for lunch.

Among the 'Worst Vending Options' are:
•Chips Ahoy!, Oreo and other fatty cookies
•Chocolate whole or 2% milk
•Coca-Cola, Pepsi and other soda
•Fruitopia, FruitWorks, and other "fruit" drinks
•Hostess HOHOs and other snack cakes
•Keebler Club & Cheddar Sandwich Crackers
•Kit Kat Big Kat, Snickers and other candy bars
•Starburst Fruit Chews and other sugary candies

Are there better options for snacks at school?

Sure. The CSPI offers these 'Better Vending Options':
•Applesauce cups (unsweetened)
•Bottled water
•Chex Mix, Traditional
•Dole or Del Monte fruit cups
•Low-fat or fat-free milk
•Nature Valley Crunchy Granola Bars, Oats ‘N Honey
•Orange juice (100%)
•Raisins and unsweetened dried fruit

And these healthy snack choices aren't just for school vending machines.
They can help guide your choices of snacks that you offer your kids at home.

Healthy Snacks for School-Age Kids
Smart snacking can help children meet daily nutrient requirements that may be missed at meal times. Children need snacks, or "mini meals", to help them get enough calories (energy) throughout the day. So, choosing healthy foods that add nutrients to their diets is essential.

www.mealsmatter.com offers these snacking tips: