Big boys returning from long days at school and after school activities come home hungry, so now that we are in our back to school routine, we are also starting our back to after school snack routine. We need to keep those hungry kids energized and ready to tackle homework! So, it was time to set up an After School Snack Station.
We visited our local Family Dollar and found many of our favorite brands neatly lining the shelves, like Pepperidge Farm Goldfish Crackers, Ritz Crackers, and Wise variety packs. There were also very value-priced items from the Family Gourmet brand that kids love, like cracker sticks with cheese dip and cookie packs, all snack items my children would love.
We picked up over two weeks worth of after school snacks for $18:
(the Top Ramon noodles are for me, because I love quick and easy after school snacks too and lived on these in college- they are so tasty!).
I spent just a few extra dollars for six containers to perfectly organize their after school snacks. Of course, these containers can be used to organize anything and everything, but I loved that I could pick up 2 for $1 in colors I liked, and there was a huge selection to add some color to whatever area you want to keep organized.
Family Dollar carries many more great snack brands like Cheez-Its, Kellogg’s, Kraft, Vlasic, and Heinz, which offer a variety of options for snacks, depending on what your own little ones like, and organized on the counter together. It’s easy for my kids to grab their own snacks after school to stave off hunger until I get dinner on the table- is a big time saver! And everything for under $20 is a great value too.
Create An After School Snack Center
1. Choose containers to separate, organize, and store snacks in a way that makes it easy for your kids to find and grab what they want
2. Buy all snacks in individual packages and containers whenever possible- no fighting!
3. Choose snacks that aren’t too messy, are easy to eat, and easy to clean up after (so you don’t come home from work to a messy dining table)
4. Put it all within reach so even your littlest snackers can help themselves whenever hunger strikes
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Those are great baskets you found to hold the snacks and other goodies. I like to chop up fresh veggies, soften them in the microwave, and add them to ramen. Family Dollar’s specials make snack shopping more fun.
That is SO smart so kids can serve themselves! My son is only in preschool but already “demands” a treat when I pick him up!
My tips for after school snacks is easy containers and grab them and go ideas such as buying individually wrapped snacks. They are easier to handle and quick to reach. Fresh fruit is always a great option as well.
I love this idea. My kids would try to eat everything all at once no doubt but I think I’m going to try making a snack station!
A snack station is a fantastic idea! I wish my mom had done that!
We also have snack bins in our pantry with appropriate snacks for the kids. I also like to cut up the fruit (cantaloupe) or wash fruit so it’s ready to grab out of the fridge when she gets home.
my kids love cucumbers dipped in dressing
We love yogurt & fresh fruit!
I also like to make smoothies for the kids and use strawberries from our little garden!
I notice my family will skip over whole fruit, but if I cut it up and put it in a bowl they eat it right up. Or just get grapes!!
Great idea! We try to wash and cut fresh fruits and veggies and keep them in the fridge so it is an easy snack to grab and go.
This brings back so many memories of high school! I have always loved goldfish, sandwiches, and chips. I have always loved trail mix as well!
My tip is to have healthy foods like fruit and veggies already cut up.
I just serve them fruits
I keep a variety of fresh fruits and veggies for liz to choose from as an afternoon snack before starting her homework.
We eat a lot of fruit but I love your idea! I am going to make a snack station!
Protein shakes, tuna, and ice pops!
We have picnic basket filled with a variety of snacks!
Do something both fun and nutritious like ants on a log!
Well, I was a SAHM so I got to bake for their after-school snacks. I always made something good for them, yet tasty, you know, cookies made with everything good… fruits and such. I let them eat and play to unwind after school.
I have been using a large plastic bowl in my pantry for snacks for years. My children are grown but when they are home they still look for their favorite snacks.
fruits like raisins are always a treat..thanks
I go day by day.They love fruits, veggies, chips, not to much candy, and boiled eggs.
I would have to say that it is peanut butter crackers , pretzels and cheese (or drizzled chocolate) or cheese balls and tie them in a clear plastic baggie or small decorated square-like box
My grandson likes snack cakes.
My kids like peanut butter on bananas.
My idea of good snacks are fruit, nuts or yogurt.
I keep cut-up fruits and veggies in the fridge in sandwich bags for handy healthy snacks.
I think having fresh fruit, cheese and crackers and fruit bars on hand always works well.
Awesome ideas listed… Our family’s snacks usually were fruits, yogurts, chips. Really like the organization listed above, wish I could have applied that when mine was little.
Fresh fruit is a great snack.
My tips are to have some fresh fruit or vegetables pre-cut so the kids can easily grab when hungry after school and some other healthier options if they want something more like chips.
My kids love frozen grapes and nilla wafers.
Apple slices or buy those fruits that are already prepackaged from the grocery store.
My kids eat yogurt which I leave in the refrigerator on the bottom shelf so they can reach them.
The After School Snack Station is an excellent idea. One tip we do is allow the kids to pick one of their favorites (like cookies, brownies, things to this nature), but they also have to eat a fruit roll-up, granola bar, or other snack as well that they would not otherwise eat.
My tip is to always involve the children with the decision on snacks. Reading labels together at the supermarket add deciding together will hopefully help them grow with healthy eating habits.
I always cut up fresh fruit and veggies and keep them in airtight containers in the fridge for quick snacking. I also keep yogurt, hummus, and applesauce for dipping and snacking.
My tip for after an school snack is fresh fruit with a dipping sauce (made with greek yogurt)…a little sweetness but mostly healthy.
I try to have gogurt and crackers available for snacking
a snack station is a novel idea.
I usually have fruit and vegetables cut up and ready as a snack when the kids come home.
have plenty of fresh fruit and granola