19 Days Till School: Tips for Packing Healthy Snacks for Kids

Snacks give kids important nutrients and help control hunger between meals, says the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and packing healthy snacks doesn't have to be difficult.

Here are a few snack suggestions from the department to help keep your child well-fed and focused in school:

• “Ants on a log” (celery with peanut butter and raisins)
• Fresh or canned fruit (in 100% juice, not syrup) with fat-free or low-fat vanilla yogurt
• Whole-grain crackers with fat-free or low-fat cheese
• Frozen grapes (rinse and freeze grapes overnight)
• Whole-wheat bread or apple slices with peanut butter
• Quesadillas (fat-free or low-fat cheese on a whole-wheat tortilla)
• Unsalted pretzels or air-popped popcorn
• Baked tortilla chips and salsa
• Whole-wheat pita bread with hummus
• Fat-free or low-fat milk or water instead of sugary fruit drinks and soda

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services also suggests putting fresh fruit in a bowl at eye-level in the refrigerator or on the kitchen counter so it will be easier for kids to see and grab.

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