So, Feed your Brain!

It should be noted at this point that Fifth grade starts its day at 7:50 A.M. but does not enter the cafeteria until 1:00 P.M.! We will have our snack during our morning recess, leaving an academic period and c.a.m.p. to complete before lunch each day.

That’s lots of requisite focus on little brain fuel.

Students may bring a bottled water or container of water and a healthy snack that is easy to open and consume without utensils.

Please choose from the following list of snack suggestions:

Fruit is naturally sweet and can be served whole, sliced, cut in half, cubed, or in wedges as well as…

Dried Fruit - Try raisins, apricots, apples, cranberries, pineapple, papaya, and others with little or no added sugars.

Fruit Leathers - Some brands of fruit snacks are more like candy than fruit, and should be avoided due to their high content of added sugars and lack of fruit. Brands to avoid include Fruit Rollups, Farley’s Fruit Snacks, Sunkist Fruit Gems, Starburst Fruit Chews, Mamba Fruit Chews, Jolly Rancher Fruit Chews, Original Fruit Skittles, and Amazin’ Fruit Gummy Bears. Try Natural Value Fruit Leathers and Stretch Island Fruit Leathers, which come in a variety of flavors and don’t have added sugars.

Raw Vegetables in zip-lock bags or containers with low-fat dips - This can include Ants-on-a-Log-type preparations provided they are simple to eat and clean up.

Healthy Grains - Try to serve mostly whole grains, which provide more fiber, vitamins, and minerals than refined grains. In addition, try to keep the added sugars to less than 35% by weight and the saturated and trans-fat low (i.e., less than 10% of calories, or about one gram or less per serving). Choose low salt pretzels, whole grain crackers, rice cakes, low-sugar granola bars, graham crackers, breadsticks, dry cereal and popcorn. Pre-spread some peanut butter, humus, or cheese for extra protein.

Nuts, Trail Mix, Dried Meats are easy to eat, are rich in proteins, and are not messy.

Our simple rules will guide you: