Healthy Classroom Snack List
The Madison Metropolitan School District’s Healthy Classroom Snack List was developed to help parents and school staff select healthy and nut-free snack options when bringing in snacks for the entire class for events such as birthdays, holidays, rewards, etc. We take great care in making sure all students feel welcomed and safe within the classroom. Certain foods may trigger life threatening allergic reactions.
Nutrition Guidelines for Healthy Snacks
In order to qualify as a healthy snack, the snack should...
- Contain 200 calories or less per serving
- Include less than 2 grams of saturated fat
- Include zero (0) grams of trans fat
- Contain less than 200mg of sodium per serving
- Include zero (0) grams of added sugars
- Have a whole grain, fruit, or vegetable listed first in the ingredient list
Snack Preparation Recommendations
Snacks should be...
- Appealing and taste good to kids
- Cleaned and cut ahead of time for easy serving (fruits and vegetables)
- Put in snack baggies for easy serving
Other tips
- To keep apple and pear slices from turning brown, sprinkle with lemon juice.
- Send necessary utensils, plates, and/or napkins, with your student if needed
Food Allergy Guidelines
- Ask your teacher or program instructor about students with allergies in your child’s classroom or program before bringing in snacks for the entire classroom or group.
- Check ingredient statements and nutrition labels on food products to ensure the products are free of offending allergens.
- Snacks containing peanuts, nuts, or seeds are not recommended.
Suggestions for Healthy Classroom Snack Options
- Water
- Sparkling/carbonated water, no sugar
- Fat-free or low-fat milk
- Fruit smoothies (frozen fruit with yogurt)
- Fresh fruit (trays, salads, or kabobs)
- Fresh vegetables (trays, salads, or kabobs)
- Fat-free or low-fat yogurt (alone or as dips)
- Canned fruit or fruit cups in water or 100% fruit juice
- Dried fruit with no added sugar
- Whole grain crackers
- Rice cakes
- Pretzels
- Low-fat cheese (slices or sticks)
- Small whole grain waffles with fruit on top
- Low-fat or air popped popcorn without butter or salt
- Graham crackers
- Jelly (from 100% fruit) sandwiches on whole wheat bread
- Whole grain bagels or English muffins with cream cheese
- Fat-free or low-fat pudding
- Whole grain cereal bars
- Baked whole grain tortilla chips and salsa
- Baked chips (small portions)
Ideas for Non-Food Celebrations & Rewards
We know that birthdays and other celebrations are important to every child and that kids like to celebrate with their classmates. Below are some suggestions for non-food celebrations and rewards. Check with your child’s teacher first to make sure the birthday plans fit into their schedule.
- Bring party favors in for each classmate (bouncy balls, erasers, stickers, decorative pencils, bracelets, notepads, whistles, bubbles, washable tattoos, chalk, etc.).
- Buy something for the classroom (books, board games, music, art supplies, playground equipment, plants or flowers, etc.).
- Connect with your child’s teacher to learn about other non-food celebrations or rewards that promote wellness. Some ideas might include extra physical activity time and free choice time.
Did You Know?
Healthy kids are sweet enough
Kids age 2-18 should have less than 25 grams or six teaspoons of added sugars daily for a healthy heart.
Smart Snack Calculator
Visit foodplanner.healthiergeneration.org/calculator to check to see if your product meets the healthy snack list standards.