11 After-School Hunger Solutions Kids Actually Want This School Year

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Fun Fruit Kabobs

Fun Fruit Kabobs are a delightful and nutritious snack that kids will love! They are easy to make and ideal for after-school hunger, packing a punch of vitamins and minerals while keeping things fun with vibrant colors. Perfect for snacking or even as a fun dessert, these fruity skewers can include a variety of fruits, encouraging kids to enjoy healthy eating habits while having a creative experience.

Instructions:

1. Wash all the fruits thoroughly and pat them dry.
2. Cut the strawberries and bananas into suitable pieces.
3. Begin threading the fruit onto the skewers, alternating between the different types to create colorful patterns.
4. Once the skewers are filled to your liking, drizzle with honey if desired for extra sweetness.
5. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator until ready to enjoy!

Mini Pita Pockets

Mini Pita Pockets are a fun and healthy snack option for after-school hunger, perfect for kids to fill with their favorite ingredients. These bite-sized treats are easy to make and can be customized based on what your children enjoy. With the combination of fresh veggies, proteins, and dips, Mini Pita Pockets can not only satisfy the hunger but also provide essential nutrients.

Instructions:

1. Cut the mini pitas in half to create pockets.
2. Spread a spoonful of hummus or yogurt dip inside each pita half.
3. Stuff the pita pockets with diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots, and any optional protein like chicken or turkey.
4. Sprinkle shredded cheese and top with fresh spinach or lettuce.
5. Serve immediately, or pack them for a nutritious after-school snack!

Yogurt Parfaits

Yogurt parfaits are a delightful and nutritious option ideal for after-school snacks. They are quick to assemble and can be customized with a variety of fruits, nuts, and granola. Packed with protein from the yogurt and vitamins from the fruits, yogurt parfaits are not only tasty but also provide energy to keep kids active and focused.

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix the Greek yogurt with honey or maple syrup until well combined.
2. In a clear cup or bowl, layer a spoonful of yogurt, followed by a layer of granola, and then a layer of fresh berries and banana slices.
3. Repeat the layers until the cup is filled, finishing with a final layer of yogurt topped with granola and additional berries.
4. Optionally, sprinkle chopped nuts on top for added crunch.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for a quick snack later!

Homemade Trail Mix

Homemade trail mix is a versatile and nutritious snack that can be tailored to your child’s taste preferences. It’s perfect for after-school munching, providing a mix of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates to keep them energized for homework or play. With endless combinations and easy preparation, homemade trail mix is a great way to incorporate a variety of nutritious ingredients into your child’s snacking routine.

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients (almonds, walnuts, dried cranberries, chocolate chips, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and coconut flakes).
2. If using, drizzle in the nut butter and mix well until ingredients are evenly coated.
3. Spread the mixture onto a baking sheet and allow it to cool slightly if nut butter was used.
4. Store the trail mix in an airtight container for a convenient on-the-go snack!

Veggie Dippers With Hummus

Veggie dippers with hummus are a delightful and nutritious snack that provide a colorful array of vegetables paired with creamy hummus. This combination not only satisfies hunger after school but also introduces children to a variety of healthy veggies in a fun and engaging way. It’s an easy dish to prepare, making it perfect for busy families looking to nourish their kids with wholesome ingredients.

Instructions:

1. Wash and peel (if necessary) all the vegetables. Cut the carrots and celery into sticks, slice the cucumber, and cut the bell pepper into strips.
2. Arrange the vegetable dippers on a platter or plate alongside a bowl of hummus.
3. If desired, drizzle the veggies with a little olive oil and sprinkle paprika over the hummus for added flavor.
4. Serve immediately for a fresh and healthy after-school snack!

Cheesy Quesadillas

Cheesy quesadillas are a quick and satisfying after-school snack that kids love. With their crispy tortillas and gooey melted cheese, they’re not only delicious but also customizable to include additional ingredients like veggies or proteins if desired. This recipe is incredibly simple and requires minimal cooking time, making it perfect for busy parents and hungry kids coming home from school.

Instructions:

1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
2. Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly on top. Add any optional ingredients like bell peppers and onions if using.
3. Top with another tortilla and cook for about 2-3 minutes until the bottom is golden brown, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and the other side is golden.
4. Remove from the skillet, cut into wedges, and serve hot with salsa on the side.

Banana Sushi Rolls

Banana sushi rolls are a fun and nutritious after-school snack that combine the sweetness of bananas with the crunch of toppings, making them a delightful treat for kids. They are simple to prepare and can be customized with various nut butters, toppings, and even sprinkles for an added flair. This recipe encourages kids to enjoy fruit in a creative way!

Instructions:

1. Peel the bananas and spread 2 tablespoons of peanut butter evenly on each banana.
2. Roll the peanut butter-covered bananas in rice cereal or granola until fully coated.
3. Cut the coated bananas into bite-sized pieces.
4. Drizzle with honey and add mini chocolate chips or sprinkles if desired. Serve immediately.

Apple Nachos

Apple nachos are a delicious and visually appealing after-school snack that kids will love. By slicing fresh apples and drizzling them with nut butter and toppings, this recipe transforms a simple fruit into a fun and shareable treat. Perfect for satisfying sweet cravings while providing essential nutrients, apple nachos are a great way to encourage kids to eat more fruit!

Instructions:

1. Core and slice the apples into thin rounds and arrange them on a plate.
2. Drizzle peanut butter evenly over the apple slices.
3. Sprinkle mini chocolate chips, granola, and raisins over the apples.
4. Drizzle with honey and add a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired. Serve immediately.

Smoothie Popsicles

Smoothie popsicles are a fun and revitalizing way to provide kids with a nutritious snack after school. Packed with fruits, yogurt, and a touch of sweetness, these popsicles are easy to make and can be customized with your child’s favorite flavors. They are perfect for warm afternoons and are a great way to sneak in some extra vitamins!

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine Greek yogurt, frozen fruit, spinach (if using), honey or maple syrup, and coconut milk or juice.
2. Blend until smooth and fully combined.
3. Pour the smoothie mixture into popsicle molds, leaving a little space at the top for expansion.
4. Insert sticks and freeze for at least 4-6 hours or until completely solid.
5. To remove popsicles, run warm water over the outside of the molds for a few seconds. Enjoy your revitalizing treat!

Nut Butter Energy Bites

Nut Butter Energy Bites are a delightful, no-bake snack that provides a quick burst of energy for kids after school. These bite-sized treats are made with nutritious ingredients like oats, nut butter, and honey, making them not only delicious but also packed with protein, healthy fats, and fiber. They are easy to prepare, customizable based on your child’s preferences, and perfect for on-the-go snacking!

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, nut butter, honey or maple syrup, chocolate chips or dried fruit, chia seeds, vanilla extract, and sea salt.
2. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
3. Using your hands, roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
4. Place the energy bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up. Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Enjoy!

Tortilla Roll-Ups

Tortilla Roll-Ups are a fun and versatile snack that can keep hunger at bay for kids after school. These easy-to-make wraps can be personalized with different fillings such as meats, cheeses, vegetables, or spreads, making them perfect for picky eaters. They’re quick to prepare, portable, and a great way to sneak in some nutrients!

Instructions:

1. Spread cream cheese or hummus evenly over each tortilla.
2. Layer turkey or ham, shredded cheese, spinach, and sliced veggies on top of the spread.
3. Carefully roll up each tortilla tightly, starting from one end.
4. Slice each roll into bite-sized pieces or halves to serve.
5. Enjoy immediately or pack in a container for later!