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Healthy Food at Preschool or Daycare
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Preschool Snack Menu
Three weeks of well-balance snack ideas for preschool.
Healthy Snacks List for Preschool
Serving healthy snacks at preschool sets a great example for children and can be simple to prepare. Use this list of snack ideas to create healthy snacks for your preschool room. Try to include at least two food groups for variety and balanced nutrition - many school nutrition plans require two food groups at snack time to qualify for reimbursement.
Fruits and Vegetables
Bananas - Cut into quarters or halves with peel on for convenience
Apples and Pears – Sliced into wedges
Melons and Cantaloupe – Cubed or use a melon baller for fun shapes
Berries - Serve as is!
Oranges – Wedges
Grapes - Cut in quarters or halves
Plums, Peaches and Nectarines - Pitted and cut in half
Sugar Snap Peas – Serve as is!
Broccoli – Cut into small florets
Cucumbers – Sliced
Cherry tomatoes – Cut in half
Suggested Portion = 1/2 piece of fruit, 1/2 cup raw fruit or vegetable, 1/4 cup dried fruit
Breads and Grains
Whole Wheat Crackers or Pretzels
Whole Wheat Breads
Pita Bread
Tortillas
Fruit or Vegetable Muffins
Cookies and Granola Bars - Choose lower sugar, whole grain versions
Suggested Portion = 1/2 slice bread, 1/2 ounce crackers
Protein Foods (Meat / Meat Alternate)
Hard Boiled Eggs
Nuts - Chop into pieces
Nut Butters - Spread peanut butter or almond butter on fruit, vegetables, bread or crackers
Beans – Make bean dips like refried bean dip or hummus
Yogurt - Try using plain, lowfat yogurt and serving with fruit or a touch of honey
Cheese - Slices of cheddar or American cheese; string cheese
Cottage Cheese
Milk
Plain MilkSuggested Portion = 1/2 cup
Reference: USDA, FNS, Child and Adult Care Food Program - Meal Patterns
More Healthy Snack Information
See the Sample Healthy Snack Menu for three weeks of healthy snack meals.
Make the Healthy Food Picture Menu from this list to help guide preschool snack choices.
by Kati Chevaux
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