Healthy Foods for Special School Events

Birthdays, holidays and other special events are celebrated throughout the school year. When you choose to offer food for these special occasions, select nutritious snacks that follow the guidelines of ‘Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide’. Here are some suggestions of fun and nutritious foods for your party. Practice the nutrition messages and bring the curriculum alive.

Instead of soda or punch, try…

• 100% fruit juice
• White or chocolate milk
• Ice water with frozen “juice cubes” for a colourful drink
• Fruit shake:
• ½ cup low fat yogourt + ½ cup fruit juice + fruit of your choice

When offering more than snacks…

• Sandwiches using mini pita pockets
• Bagels served with low-fat cream cheese or jelly
• Pita wedges served with hummus
• Pizza prepared on English muffins with tomato sauce, cheese and veggies
• Classroom potluck of healthy foods
• “Build your own” sandwiches, salad, trail mix, etc.

Enjoy these great finger foods…

• Fresh fruit and vegetables in bite-size portions. Serve with low-fat yogourt dip or salsa
• Dried fruit*
• Low fat granola bars
• Animal crackers
• Graham crackers
• Whole grain crackers
• String cheese or cubes
• Banana or zucchini bread
• Mini muffins (low-fat or high fibre)
• Oatmeal raisin cookies*
• Snack kebobs: raw fruits, veggies, low fat deli meats or cheese on a skewer

* Brush your teeth or rinse with water after snacking, as these foods stick to your teeth.

For the Holidays…

• Cut fruit, cheese or bread in festive shapes using cookie cutters
• Use fruits in holiday colours

For Hot Summer Days…

• Frozen grapes and melon balls are a cool and refreshing treat
• Frozen yogourt