Feeding the Afterschool Hungaries
I remember, back in my school days that I was STARVING when I came home from school!
Absolutely STARVING. Gosh, it had been 3 1/2 hours since lunch. If I asked, Mom would let me have bread and butter, sometimes sprinkled with sugar or once in a while there was a cookie or leftover cake. But we didn’t snack after school on a regular basis.
Some things never change. My own children come home from school absolutely STARVING. LOL I do, however, give them snacks on a regular basis. If I don’t have a snack ready to go, they’ll start rustling through the cupboards and fridge stalking any possibilities. I’ve found that I can go broke fast purchasing some of the snacks available at the store, not to mention, many of them are nutritionally deficient.
I like to let the kids unwind for a few minutes when they get home and have their snack before starting on homework. I just think a hungry tummy gets in the way of being able to concentrate on homework. We don’t eat before 6pm so there is plenty of time for a snack and working up a good appetite for dinner.
Let’s consider some tasty, yet easy on the budget alternatives to the items you might find on the snack aisle: (keep in mind, my idea of a snack isn’t fancy, just something easy to get the hunger under control – if it’s fun… all the better. lol)
Veggies or fruit with dip. Without dip would be healthier, but not nearly as much fun. Carrots are our staple veggie here, sometimes celery. Apple slices are generally the fruit of choice. Use whatever your children enjoy, and your budget affords. Flavored yogurt is an easy and quick dip for fruit, ranch dressing for veggies.
Graham Crackers and milk. This is one of those old stand-bys that my Mom used. I’ve found that my younger kids really can’t tell the difference between name brand and store brand graham crackers and I can find store brand for a dollar or less. Dipping graham crackers in milk is entertainment as well. LOL
Bread and Milk. My parents used to eat this as children. Only about half of my kids like to break it up in a bowl and pour milk and honey over, but for those who don’t, they just have a glass of milk and a slice of bread.
Graham Cracker & Frosting cookies. When we have leftover frosting from cakes or cookies, we like to break a graham cracker in half, spread one half with frosting, and top with the remaining cracker. If you do them ahead, they soften up a little, but, most often, the kids make them as they’re ready to eat. (you can also just put frosting in a small dish and let them dunk the cracker in)
Homemade cookies, brownies, or muffins. I like to use whole wheat flour as ¼ of the flour in most recipes. My children will still eat it and I feel that they are getting a little better snack with the extra fiber. One of our favorite muffins is pumpkin chocolate chip. Yum!
A few other ideas would be popcorn, saltines, pretzels, leftovers you aren’t saving for another meal, biscuits, peanut butter sandwiches, etc. Give the kids a list of snacks you’ve approved and let them plan for the week.
After school snacking, when planned ahead, can fit nicely into your food budget AND add some well timed nutrition! Enjoy!
JOY