Many school parties consist of a snack table filled with cupcakes, cookies and candy. Children enjoy these foods and they can be part of a healthy diet when eaten only occasionally. If you are planning a school party and want to include healthier foods that are still kid-friendly there are many options. Carol A. Kochhar-Bryant and Angela Heishman recommend in their book, "Effective Collaboration for Educating the Whole Child," working with the teacher to create a classroom policy that encourages parents to supply more nutritious party foods. Make sure to also check the policy at your child's school regarding homemade treats since many children suffer from food related allergies.
Muffins
Muffins are a healthier alternative that can have the same appearance and texture as sugar-laden cupcakes. Encourage parents to use muffin mixes rather than cupcake mixes because they are often lower in fat and sugar. Children will still crave a sweet snack so adding frozen fruits, such as blueberries or strawberries, to the muffin batter will sweeten them without adding refined sugar. Drizzle with honey instead of frosting for another way to sweeten the muffins without adding sugar. Reduced fat cream cheese mixed with honey is a healthier topping than frosting as well.
Fresh Fruit with Yogurt Dip
Potato chips and high-fat ranch dip are common foods at school parties. Fresh fruit with yogurt dip is a healthier alternative that supplies fiber, vitamin C, protein and calcium. Select a variety of fruits, such as apple slices, banana and melon chunks, and fresh berries and arrange them on a large serving platter. Make yogurt dip by stirring honey and cinnamon into low-fat plain yogurt and stirring to combine. Place the dip in the center of the platter.
Quesadillas
Quesadillas are a healthy replacement for high-fat tortilla chips. Lisa Barnes notes in her book, "Petit Appetit: Eat, Drink, and Be Merry: Easy, Organic Snacks, Beverages and Party Foods for Kids of All Ages," that quesadillas are a chewy and filling snack that many children enjoy. Quesadillas supply fiber and calcium as well as a small amount of protein. Spread low-fat cheddar or mozzarella cheese on a whole wheat tortilla and top with another tortilla. Heat in the oven or microwave until the cheese is melted. Cut into wedges and serve with salsa or guacamole.
Sparkling Juice
Soda and fruit drinks should not have a place at a classroom party because they are filled with sugar and offer little nutrition. Making your own sparkling juice is one way to increase the nutrition of the party beverage. Choose a 100 percent fruit juice, such as apple or orange, and pour into a large pitcher. Add sparkling water and stir to combine. This drink offers vitamin C and potassium but contains no added sugar. Serve with shaped straws and children will likely drink every drop.
References
- "Effective Collaboration for Educating the Whole Child"; Carol A. Kochhar-Bryant and Angela Heishman; 2010
- "Petit Appetit: Eat, Drink, and Be Merry: Easy, Organic Snacks, Beverages and Party Foods for Kids of All Ages"; Lisa Barnes; 2009
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