Wholesome Locker-Friendly Snacks
This post is written by me on behalf of General Mills. All opinions are entirely my own. This shop has been compensated by Acorn Influence, Inc. and its advertiser.
With two junior high girls, life can be a bit hectic. We encourage them to follow their passions in academics, music, sports and hobbies but that also brings with it the challenge of trying to balance being in many places at once. They’re growing girls, with growth spurts around every corner and that’s further complicated by the fact they are active in sports.
Food is a constant discussion.
Scott and I want them to eat well and nurture their bodies so we regularly plan well-rounded meals. I’m also anxiously awaiting the return of the local farmers’ markets so we can pick up fresh produce to incorporate into our diet.
But let’s be honest. Anyone with one child in an activity knows that said activity is bound and determined to conflict with dinner. Let’s double that to two kids, each with religious education, lessons and performances for band, orchestra and symphony in addition to sports practices and meets. To further complicate things, one daughter is running track while the other is doing weight training. The girls leave for school at 6:45 AM and return on the extra-curricular activity bus at approximately 5:30. Concerts, performances, religious education and weight training happen in the evenings.
Things are just nuts. Can you relate?
We’ve made a point of encouraging regular snacks because, you know, growing kids who are active burn through calories. At home we keep fresh fruits and vegetables on hand along with hard boiled eggs, yogurt, cheese and various meats for snacking. Unfortunately, these types of foods don’t hold up well in a locker or a backpack.
Trust me, they’ve tried.
Instead, we’ve focused on finding wholesome options that are shelf-stable. Items that can be stored in a school locker for those days when the hunger pangs kick in prior to a long practice. Unfortunately, I don’t have the time to frequent specialty stores in hopes that I find something they like. Kids can be kids and if it doesn’t taste good, they aren’t going to eat it. I need to be able to buy things they’ll eat when they are with me at stores where we regularly shop. Like Sam’s Club.
They have a variety of options that I can feel good about stocking and not have to worry about going bad if it gets left in a locker. Annie’s, LÄRABAR and Cascadian Farm are a few examples and there are options scattered throughout Sam’s Club.
In with the breakfast foods, we found Annie’s Organic Cocoa Bunnies Cereal and Cascadian Farm Granola Oats n’ Honey. Those are good options for breakfast, but not something to send with the kids to school or on one of their excursions.
We also discovered Cascadian Farm Chewy Bars as well as LÄRABAR Core 2 Flavor Variety Packs which included Apple Pie and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough flavors! With the need to take a couple snacks per day, having a variety of options is important to keep the girls from getting tired of the same ol’ same ol’.
Speaking of variety, the girls like having something a little salty to snack on also and we found one that makes them hoppy. I mean happy. Annie’s has single-serve packages of their Organic Cheddar Bunnies available at Sam’s Club. It’s as easy as grab and go!
Not only am I able to find some good shelf-stable options, but I like being able to pick them up while I’m picking up prescriptions, household goods or other bulk items at Sam’s Club. They are also available to order online then do club pick-up!
With such crazy schedules, knowing the girls have quality options for snacks offers peace of mind.
What types of snacks do you infuse into your hectic schedules?
I love these suggestions! Our kids have been fans of the Annie’s boxed pastas for a long time, but I’d somehow missed their white cheddar popcorn. I’m off later today to Sam’s Club to pick some up!
I love the Cheddar Bunnies. My toddler loves them as well which is awesome.
We have Annie’s snacks in our pantry. It’s my go-to snack for my niece and nephews for when they come over. We have the cheddar bunnies and the fruit gummies. I love their ingredients and that it doesn’t have high fructose corn syrup.
We have this in our house too. We like Annie’s products, especially their mac and cheese. My kids are huge fans.
My daughter is hypoglycemic and constantly has snacks on her to combat low blood sugar. I love finding healthy ones like this!
Popcorn is always a favorite. I like Lara Bars and nuts too. Easy options for all ages!
Wow I love these ideas, with my oldest trying to make sure she keeps her blood sugar levels okay all day she has been searching for some locker snack ideas. Appreciate this information will share with her to see if she wants any of them!
Most snacks are high in calorie and some of them sugar. It’s just fine to have them once in a while, but not too often. It’s good to have ones that are low in calorie.
Oats are a great idea! But I personally love popcorns!
Like others here I’m very familiar with the mac n cheese (yum) but haven’t tried the bunnies yet! Kids do loved crackers!!
My kids love anything Annie’s and I love that it’s a healthier snack choice for them. My son has soccer every Tuesday and I always carry along Annie’s fruit snacks or crackers in my bag for the little one, and even my son when practice is over.
These are some incredible snacks. I love little popcorn and gold fishes with little small juices. <3
Tho idea of healthy snacking is one that should be observed by each member of the family.Teaching by example is what has worked in our family.
I haven’t tried Annie’s Products, but I will have to pick some up when I am on the next grocery trip, and see how the kids like them.
I love most items from Annies – especially the Cheddar Bunnies! Larabars are awesome too!