Healthy pre-packaged snacks for kids?

[Sarah_Rose]

Hi everyone!

I am beginning my stint as a Girls on the Run head coach next week, and I could use some help! I am responsible for bringing a healthy snack that costs 50 cents or less per girl to each practise. I will buy/cut up fresh fruit and veggies some days, but I would really love to be able to have a big stash of pre-packaged healthy snacks in the back of my car, so I don't have to worry about it every day!

Anyone have any ideas for healthy snacks that 8-11 year old girls will love, and cost less than 50 cents each? Specific brand names and types would be most helpful, as I don't have kids myself and don't want to buy a big case of something that turns out to be the "gross" version! My DH and I can only eat so much so-so fruit leather and granola bars, ourselves! I'd also prefer items that are individually packaged to avoid quibbling over who gets more, and bonus points if it's available from Amazon.com's Subscribe and Save program! We don't have a Costco or Sam's Club membership, but that may need to be remedied this week....

Thanks in advance for any and all ideas!

 

[Creativebeth]

You would probably save alot to get a big package of pretzels, animal crackers, cheese crackers, etc, and do your own pre-package with ziploc bags. It would cost to much to get alot of the 100 calories packages to give out.

A big bag of apples would be a good choice too (look for sales!).

Beth

 

[ohMom]

not sure if it will be .50 or less, but Costco here in Ohio has Apple Crisps -- not sure of the brand but it has Mickey Mouse on the box my girls love them, they are not many calories though if you are looking for a replishment. you'll find them with granola/fruit gummies

mozzerella cheese 'sticks' if you have cooler available

 

[pjlla]

If you have a bread outlet store around, sometimes you can get mini bagels fairly cheap (under $1.50/bag)... that with a dab of peanut butter or cream cheese would be good. Sometimes they also have reasonably healthy cookies and snacks at our breadstore... but sometimes not.

I second most of the ideas you also ready received. My grocery store also has a small area of big bulk boxes of some basics (like Goldfish). If you buy in bulk, rather than also buying ziploc baggies, dish out the snacks with a small scoop (like a half cup measure) into a paper towel, napkin, or clean hand. That way each person gets the same measured amount, but much less expense and trash involved. If they MUST have a container, how about the tiny paper bathroom Dixie cups. They are at least biodegradable (not so with the ziploc snack baggies).

Homemade trail mix can be good because you can use up lots of different "ends" things.. pretzels, mini crackers, cereals, chocolate bits, nuts (if they are not an issue), raisins, Craisins, dried fruit... the list goes on and on.

Bulk fruit in season is good..... apples and grapes are cheap right now.

If you are a Target shopper, try to frequently check out their grocery clearance endcaps. I have found some amazing deals there!! Disney snack bars, dried fruit, cereal... and my Targets aren't even Greatlands.

Good luck with this.....................P

 

[Sarah_Rose]

Thanks for all the suggestions, everyone! I do like the idea of measuring out something bulk (pretzels, Goldfish, etc.)..... I think I'll buy some plastic cups, write everyone's name in Sharpie on them, and then get the girls to reuse their "snack cup" every practice, and store the cups with their water bottles in the storage room. It'll just take a minute to scoop the snack into the cups before the girls get there.

Cheese strings are also a great idea..... they eat the snack before practice (practice is right after school.... and you know how kids eat after school) so I can bring the cheese strings straight from the fridge and they'll still be cool.

I also found out today that one of my girls has a peanut allergy, so that makes things a bit harder. I've never had to look; how can one tell if a granola bar or other snack is peanut-free? Will it say always say "may have come in contact with peanuts" if it isn't safe, and always be safe if it doesn't say anything?

Thanks again for the suggestions!