The Olim Files #25: Best Snacks for School

We’re made it to the end of the long, hot summer vacation and it’s BACK TO SCHOOL. Here are some suggestions as a mom and (former) classroom teacher. Since kids generally have to choose between socializing and eating they will choose socializing. Think Grab ‘N Go.

In Israeli schools here is a morning meal approximately 10:00. The typical fare is a sandwich. Send on bread, baguette, or roll. Unless there is a peanut allergy restriction, some ideas to spread on the bread are peanut butter, jelly, hummus, cheese, cream cheese, or chocolate spread (popular, yes. healthy, probably not).

Fruit and veggie options: grapes, apple slices, oranges, carrot sticks

Noshy foods: granola bars, popcorn, pretzels, crackers

Dairy: send single-serve yogurts ONLY if you child will finish in one sitting. Remember to send a spoon

Beverage: water. Invest in a water bottle

I have had success in making ‘healthy cookies’, bites, balls, mini muffins etc. that my kids really like and actually eat.

Many schools offer a hot lunch option. There is a protein, a grain, and a cooked vegetable. There is usually bread and a fruit or vegetable for the taking. If you don’t sign up for the hot lunch then send something you think your child will eat. Ditch the Pinterest mentality of preparing any Bento box funky type of meal as it will be time (and food) wasted.

I have found that even implementing the above suggestions, it is a good idea to have dinner ready to serve earlier than later. The little darlings come home ravenous so I feel it’s best to feed them a real meal than offer them nosh.

Thanks for reading. Here’s to a successful school year!

Karen, The Klutter Koach

August 31, 2019

HAVE YOU MISSED ANY OF THE OLIM FILES?

#24 Storage Space

#23 Summer Sizzle

#22 Time is Relative

#21 The Ultimate in De-cluttering Part IV

#20 Tu B’Shevat and Midterm Report Cards

#19 Healthy Eating on a Budget

#18 Welcome to Israel!

#17 Ditch the Warehouse Club Mentality