By: Julie Poole, M.Ed.

 

It’ Back to School season and we couldn’t be more excited to start a new school year partnering with our wonderful clients. This is a great time of year to promote nutrition by planning menus and serving foods that are nutrient dense and delicious. Take a look at our top tips for planning a nutritious menu full of child-friendly foods that will keep kiddos healthy and ready to conquer the school year!

1. Include fresh, seasonal produce on your menu:

• Produce that is both local and seasonal not only looks and tastes better, but it is also more cost effective. Check out our latest Produce Pick to see what is in available right now.
• Use fresh fruits and veggies as part of a “Make Your Own” snack experience. Try a veggie funny face using a whole grain rice cake spread with hummus. Children can create faces using delicious veggies such as pepper strips, shredded carrots, cucumbers, and more.
• Try using fresh herbs such as parsley, cilantro, and basil to enhance the flavors of meat, plant-based proteins, and pastas and more.

2. Whole Grain foods are rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals which keep bellies full longer. Try these Whole Grain snacks for a healthy and satisfying snack:

• Spread a Whole Grain tortilla with Sunbutter and sliced bananas
• Dip a Whole Grain Soft Pretzel Rod in Cream Cheese sprinkled with cinnamon
• Top a yogurt cup with berries and Whole Grain granola
• Looking for a grab and go option? Try our Savory Wheat Bite Crackers, Vanilla Graham Bears, Cinnamon Bug Bite Grahams and Heart Shapes pretzels.

3. Serve Breakfast options that are low in sugar but high in flavor:

• Try our new Reduced Sugar Trix and Reduced Sugar Cocoa Puffs Whole Grain Cereal bowls with only 6 grahams of sugar per dry ounce, making them a great choice for programs participating in CACFP and anyone who is looking for a tasty and nutritious breakfast option.
• Want a sweet addition to your breakfast without adding sugar or syrups? Pair our Whole Grain Pancakes, Waffles or French Toast sticks with fresh or frozen fruit, including mixed berries, sliced apples, and mangos.

4. Dial up the flavor! Adding salt-free or low-salt spices and seasonings provides a healthy flavor kick without adding sodium:

• Sprinkle low-salt Tajin seasoning on eggs, chicken, and melon
• Shake some salt-free Mrs. Dash on potatoes, turkey, and ground beef
• Drizzle soy sauce on soba noodles, broccoli, and fish
• Squeeze a lime over tacos, beans, and guacamole

Interested in additional tips and resources?

Check out our latest Produce Picks, featuring honey crisp apples

Check out our Make Your Own Snack Suggestions, featuring loads of healthy ingredients