Tips for Healthier Classroom Parties

By Terrie Buckner, MEd

By serving healthy foods at classroom parties, children learn to enjoy healthy foods and make better food choices. There are many fun and healthy alternatives to offer at parties. Encourage parents to bring some
of these foods for classroom celebrations rather than the usual sugar and fat laden cupcakes, cookies, and candy:
o Red and green apple slices with cheese
o Carrot sticks, cucumber slices and broccoli served with low fat dip
o Oatmeal, whole wheat and raisin cookies
o Graham crackers and cinnamon applesauce
o Yogurt cups
o Sugar free/fat free pudding cups
o Sugar free gelatin with fresh fruit
o Fruit salad with yogurt dressing
o Whole grain pretzels and cheese dip
o Cheese and crackers
o Fruit with yogurt dip
o Granola
o Pita pizzas
o Mini-bagels with cream cheese
o Fruit pizza on an oatmeal cookie crust
o Mixed fresh fruit and cheese cubes
o Fruit smoothies
o Yogurt or carob covered raisins