One suggested snack is cereal, which is relatively inexpensive and easy to serve to a large group in small paper cups without milk. Look for cereal that is healthful and tasty. Avoid cereals that are high in sugar and low in nutritional value. Fortified cereals will not only provide the Cubbies with a snack, but fulfill some of their Recommended Dietary Allowances of vitamins and minerals as well.
Another easy-to-serve, cost-effective snack is crackers. Look for crackers in shapes the children will have fun eating, such as fish, monkeys or other animals. Crackers can be served in paper cups or given in separate 100-calorie packs if available. Crackers are a healthy alternative to chips because most contain less fat than chips. Look for crackers that have been fortified with vitamins and minerals.
For an interactive touch, provide snacks that can be dipped. Ideas include fresh vegetables that can be dipped in low-fat salad dressings such as ranch, blue cheese or Italian. Or cut up fresh fruit such as apples, pineapple, bananas and kiwi and offer caramel sauce or low-fat whipped cream for dipping.
Buy kabob sticks and cut off the sharp ends with kitchen shears. If the sticks are long, you may also want to cut them in half. Place bite-size pieces of fruit and cheese on the stick. Grapes, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries are ideal. Layer types of cheese in between. Use cheeses that children are used to, such as cheddar and Monterey Jack. For a variation, place pieces of cubed, cooked chicken breast and vegetables such as grape tomatoes, slices of cucumber and peppers on each kabob skewer. If you want to really reward the children, serve strips of chicken nuggets between the pieces of vegetable. Provide barbecue sauce and ranch dressing for dipping.