Myth: Any after-school snack is fine for my child as long as it fills them up until dinner.

Answer: Busted

Snacks are an important part of a growing child’s diet. Snacks help supply nutrients that can be missed in other meals. Try choosing healthy after-school snacks that are packed with nutrients and will help keep your child full. Chopped fresh fruits and veggies are great to have on hand and are quick and easy to prepare. Some other ideas are vegetables with dip, apples and peanut butter, animal crackers, yogurt, cheese and crackers or popcorn.

For more information on back-to-school nutrition, visit Missouri Families or MyPyramid.

Guest Contributor: Eva Hightaian, Nutrition Intern at the University of Missouri
Co-Author: Donna Mehrle, MPH, RD, LD, mehrled@missouri.edu, University of Missouri Extension