Snack Stations

Containers of snacks on a white tray

Kids are often hungry when they walk through the door after a long day at school. With varied lunchtimes, children are usually ready to fuel up once they get home. Lets’ make it easy for them to enjoy good-for-you snacks by creating an After-School Snack Station.

First step: make it fun. Find an attractive tiered cake tray, sectioned picnic caddy or other food storage or display container. Generously fill it with any combination of the healthy snacks listed here or others that you know your kids enjoy. Be sure to include napkins, small plates and silverware as needed.

  • Whole fresh fruit (apples, bananas, pears, etc.)
  • Boxes of dried fruit such as raisins, sweetened dried cranberries, etc.
  • Dried fruit strips
  • Cheese sticks
  • Yogurt cartons or tubes
  • Fresh veggie sticks (cucumbers, bell peppers, carrots, celery) along with a favorite veggie dip
  • Whole-grain crackers and sliced cheese
  • Whole-wheat pitas and hummus
  • Tortilla roll-ups filled with lean turkey or ham and cheese
  • Graham crackers or pretzel sticks served with nut butters for spreading or dipping
  • Baked potato or tortilla chips and salsa or guacamole
  • Granola bars
  • Muffins
  • Small bags of popped popcorn
  • Single-serving portions of breakfast cereal or granola
  • DIY snack mixes containing nuts, dried fruit and cereal
  • Small cookies
  • 100% juice boxes or pouches
  • Small shelf-stable cartons of milk or non-dairy alternatives like almond milk or soymilk