It is important for your children to have a few snacks throughout the day for proper growth and development. Just like adults, children need healthy snacks to keep their energy levels up so they can get the most out of each day.

Healthy snacks should include 2 of the 4 food groups:

1) Vegetables and Fruit

2) Grain Products

3) Milk and Alternatives

4) Meat and Alternatives

Keep these 10 healthy snack foods stocked in your kitchen cupboard to satisfy your children’s cravings:

1. Whole grain crackers
2. Whole grain pitas (you can store these in the freezer so that you always have some on hand)
3. Yogurt
4. Fruit (e.g. grapes, sliced oranges, cut up apples)
5. Veggies (e.g. baby carrots, cherry tomatoes, celery sticks)
6. Cheese or cheese strings
7. 100% real fruit juice
8. Lower-fat milk
9. Trail mix or nuts and seeds
10. Dips for fruit such as yogurt and veggie dips, such as hummus

5 quick tips to make lunch-time easy: 

1. Get your children involved. Have your children help you pack lunches the night before. They can wash veggies and fruit, pack sandwiches and clean out their lunch bag.

2. Make lunch-time fun by packing some of their favourite snacks.

3. Cut their sandwich into different shapes.

4. Plan snacks around your children's school day.

5. Share lunch ideas with other parents. 

Easy snacks to pack:

• bite-sized vegetables such as baby carrots, cherry tomatoes, broccoli florets, celery sticks and dip
• apple slices
• whole-grain crackers and cheese
• dried cranberries and raisins
• mini whole wheat pitas with hummus, tzaziki or other low-fat dips
   

Remember, try to enjoy local foods when possible!