Healthy snack ideas kids will love

(NC) Packing healthy and satisfying snacks every day can become challenging – for kids and grown-ups alike. Luckily, Ontario’s selection of delicious and nutritious local options means that family-pleasing snack options are readily available.

Did you know Ontario’s fruit and vegetable farms grow more than 125 different crops? From crisp apples and juicy pears to crunchy carrots and tasty sweet potatoes, farms and markets are bursting with snack-worthy produce that is perfect for lunch boxes, after-school bites and mid-day energy boosts.

Here are a few easy ideas to keep snack time local and seasonal:

Apple slices with cheese or nut butter. Ontario apples are at their peak in early fall and pair perfectly with protein-packed sides. Try different apple varieties to keep things interesting.

Veggie sticks with dip. Freshly harvested veggies like carrots, cucumbers, sweet peppers, cauliflower, or cherry tomatoes make colourful, crunchy snacks that are both fun and filling.

Pear and granola parfaits. Layer sliced Ontario pears with yogurt and granola for a quick, no-mess treat at home or on the go that is packed with flavour and nutrition.

Grapes and whole grain crackers. Ontario-grown table grapes are sweet, portable and easy to pair with whole grain crackers or mild cheese for a balanced bite.

Pumpkin muffins or squash bites. Sneak some fibre and vitamin A into lunchboxes with baked goods made from local pumpkin or butternut squash.

These fresh, local ingredients aren’t just tasty – they support Ontario fruit and vegetable growers and encourage healthy eating habits for the whole family.

Learn more about the fruits and vegetables grown by Ontario farmers at ofvga.org.

Attention Editors: This content is reserved for distribution in Ontario only.