Nestle Back to School Basics Giveaway: After School Snacks

Last week we talked about ways to “Make Dinner Happen” on a busy school night.  Now I’d like to address another big food related area for back to school-those after school snacks.

I don’t know about your kids, but mine return home from school famished.  I don’t think they could make it from getting off the bus at 2:15 until supper at 5:30 without eating something.  All that learning must burn up some calories!  And it doesn’t improve with age-teenagers are likely to need a mini meal rather than a snack, especially if they are in sports.

So what are some classic after school snacks?

#1-Cookies

Yes, it might not be the most healthy thing out there, but cookies and milk are a classic for a reason.  There is just something about cookies fresh out of the oven that says “Momma’s Love”.  Chocolate chip is of course a favorite, but oatmeal, snickerdoodle, and peanutbutter are some others well loved at our house.  In a rush? Don’t worry, cookies from a box are just as likely to be loved by the kiddos.

#2-Fruit

Fruit is a snack you can feel good about letting the kids chow down on.  Now I now that fresh fruit isn’t always the cheapest item out there-but if you buy in season you will do much better.  Canned fruit is also a viable option-my kids love mandrin oranges!  If you are concerned about sugar content of canned fruit, go for the “Lite” or “no sugar added” style.

#3-Veggies

Ok, you can sneak some veggies in there a couple of ways.  Cut up “crudites” style with dip or dressing is palatable, if not down right loved by most children.  Want to switch it up a bit? Try dipping veggies into homemade Hummus (extra protein & fiber!) or using celery to make the classic “Ants on a Log“. Want to take that “Ant’s on a log” to the next level? Try using Nestle Raisinettes instead.

#4-Crackers & Cheese

Protein tends to last a little longer in the kiddos bellies, so working some into your after school snack is a smart idea.  Cheese and crackers made into little sandwiches are bite sized and yummy.  As a kid I remember making cracker “pizza’s” out of crackers, ketchup and Parmesan cheese.  Yeah-I know, it sounds kind of gross now, but I used to love it!

#5-GORP

“Good Old Raisins and Peanuts”. . . also known as trail mix.  You can make this in a million and one ways-the level of frugality depends totally on what you chose to include. It can be a fun and frugal snack or down right exorbitant.

That’s just a few of the classics that I can come up with-I want to learn from all of you!  So on to the the giveaway!

How would you like a $500 Walmart Gift Card to help cover your back to school expenses, courtesy of Nestle?

It’s easy to enter:  Leave a comment with your best after school snack idea.

Note:  Remember, you have TWO posts that you can enter on, both this post and the one on “Making Dinner Happen“.

This giveaway ends on Friday August 14th.

Want some additional entries?

Here you go:

-Head on over to Nestle Family and tell me what your favorite recipe/idea is from their “Family Food” section.

- Subscribe to Frugal Upstate via either RSS or Email.

-Tweet about this giveaway linking back to this post.

-Subscribe to the Frugal Coast2Coast joint newsletter/show reminders.

Good luck!

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