Back to School Snacks: Healthy, Packable Ideas from Horton

​As the summer winds down and we start to stock up on school supplies, the question for market goers now turns to what to pack in school lunchboxes. Instead of always feeling like you need to default to pre-packaged granola bars and fruit snacks, why not build your snack stash around the fresh local finds of the market?

The market is bursting with vibrant, in season produce and handmade goods that are nutritious and kid-approved, while at the same time supporting local growers and makers. Here are some healthy, packable snack ideas to pick up on a Saturday morning to prep for the week ahead.

Apples, peaches, plums, berries, and melons are all in season now! These make for easy slicing for portioning as an essential addition to a lunchbox. Keeping a steady supply of local apples while they are in season locally is always a good idea, remember to pack an extra for the teacher.

Pick up some local cheese from the market to pair with whole wheat crackers for another staple to a lunchbox. Sliced and prepared carrots, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes add some more colour and much needed vegetables for a young scholar. Pair with hummus for a healthy dip!

Your kids will be the first ones to tell you that a lunch isn’t complete without a sweet treat, and the market has so many incredible options made with pure ingredients. A cookie or two never hurts.

On market day, let your young learners be your guide! Has something caught their eye that they might want to try? Encourage them to say hi to the farmer or baker. Getting them involved with the snack procurement process fosters food literacy and mindfulness.
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By sourcing snacks from the market, you are not just giving your kids healthy options, you’re keeping food dollars in the St. Thomas community, starting that appreciation for healthy eating early, and spending quality time together on the weekends that supports local producers.