Creating a Nutritious Snack Board

Today with many parents balancing work and homeschooling, many may not have the time to stop to make sure their children are getting a balanced lunch. I find offering lunch platter(s) is an easy way to put a quick, balanced meal together. These lunch platters take <10 mins to put together!

Here are some options:

Protein:

Hummus, nuts, rolled lunch meat, cheese cubes/sticks, leftover grilled chicken cut into strips, yogurt (to dip fruit or offer small portion)

Fruit: (include 1-2+) depending on the number of children

Orange smiles, grapes, sliced strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, apple slices

Veggies: (include 1-2+) depending on the number of children

Celery sticks, tomato slices, baby carrots, roasted chickpeas, broccoli, cauliflower, pepper slices

Starch/grain:

Cracker, baked tortilla chips, leftovers (waffle cubes, roasted potatoes), cubed bread, popcorn

Dairy:

Yogurt, cheese cubes, stick, or slices

Drinks:

Water, milk, unsweetened decaf tea. Limit juice.

*The perishables on the platter can be covered and refrigerated for a refueling snack.

Photo credit: Valley Nutrition & Wellness, LLC/Jessica Clark, RD, LDN