Grab-and-Go Snack Stashes

Mark Lund

By Amanda Armstrong and Sarah Newell

Set up these self-serve stations so kids never again have to plead, "Mom...?" when a snack attack hits.

1 of 2 Mark Lund

Pantry Snack Station

Fish-shaped crackers (best bet: the kind sold at health-food stores that don't have hydrogenated oils)
A Real Simple kids' mix: Cheerios, raisins, almonds, pretzels, and chocolate chips
Fruit leathers
Graham crackers
Pretzels
Cheerios
Almonds
Raisins or other dried fruits

For more nutritious options between meals, see Real Simple’s list of healthy snacks.

2 of 2 Mark Lund

Jar of peanut butter (preferably the natural kind, for dipping)
String cheese
Yogurt
Grapes
Assorted crudités—baby-cut carrots, celery sticks, pepper slices—in plastic bags
Orange segments
Lunch-meat roll-ups (like turkey-and-Swiss or ham-and-Cheddar)
Tub of hummus (for dipping)