Make Snack Time A Healthy Time

Snack time has become a part of just about every Vacation Bible School session and, more and more, it’s becoming a part of many Sunday school classes for children and youth, too. A short snack break allows kids to take time-out from their study and "re-fuel" for additional work. But, what snacks will be served? As parents become increasingly concerned about the foods that their children are eating, you should also be concerned about the snacks that are being served in your church. Healthy snacks are ones that are low in fat, low in sugar and low in salt. Here are several good ideas: 100% fruit juices (not "fruit drinks"), frozen fruit bars, fresh fruit, unsweetened applesauce, bagels, breadsticks, whole grain breads, baked crackers, popcorn (air popped or low fat microwave), low-salt pretzels, rice cakes, puddings made with low-fat milk, unsugared cereals and dried fruits. Sunday school teachers also need to be aware of any food allergies that their students might have and be careful not to serve snacks containing those items. For example, many kids are allergic to peanuts. Be careful because many prepared snacks contain either peanuts or peanut oil.

(This article appeared in the "Summer, 1995" issue of "The Herald.")