March is National Nutrition Month. FARSB’s focus for this month is to educate children about healthy eating and lifestyle choices. If you think its hard to have your child eat fruits, vegetables, and whole grains... think again! We’re here to help you create healthy, fun, and kid-friendly meals with pantry items from your local food bank.
Getting kids to help prepare healthy snacks not only encourages them to be more fearless eaters, but it can help young kids develop their fine motor skills, math skills, language skills, and so much more! We want to encourage children to eat vegetables and fruits by making them fun. In addition to some provided recipes, we've also provided some children's activity sheets that you can download here.
Let’s make some fun and healthy snacks:
1. Fruit Smoothies
Blend low-fat yogurt or milk with fruit and crushed ice. That’s it! Some yummy fruits to consider are berries, bananas, peaches, and/or pineapple. Use fresh, frozen, or canned!
2. Ants on a Log
Cut up celery or apples into wedges
Spread peanut butter or cream cheese
Add raisins on top.
This is a delicious and nutritious snack that kids LOVE!
3. Cheesy Pizza Bagels
Split a bagel in half, top with tomato sauce and sprinkle low-fat cheese.
Place on a baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray.
Bake in the oven at 350 for 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
4. Apple Energy Bites
Ingredients needed: Oats, applesauce, peanut butter, maple syrup, cinnamon.
In a large bowl, mix together warmed peanut butter until smooth. Stir in the applesauce, cinnamon and oats until combined.
Form dough tightly into 1” balls.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to enjoy!
Happy National Nutrition Month! Be sure to tag @FeedingAmericaIE in your photos if you try these food bank friendly recipes. Together we can create a hunger-free IE!