Back to School Snacking Tips from Wegmans Burlington

Did you know that we are living in The Great Age of Snacking? According to consumer behavior research by the Hartman Group, Americans snack an average of 2.3 times a day because we want a treat, or don’t feel like cooking, or just get an impulse to have a bite.

There’s no denying that kids love to snack – especially when they get after- school cravings! As families help their kids adjust back to their school routine, Wegmans is here to share after-school snacking tips to help parents give their kids the real nourishment they need, while helping to set healthier eating habits for years to come.

Local families will soon be able to take advantage of all that Wegmans has to offer when the company’s 135,000 sq. ft. Burlington store opens on Sunday, October 26. What sets Wegmans apart from other grocery stores? It offers an array of high quality foods, an unbeatable selection, incredible customer service, restaurant-quality prepared foods, and consistent low prices.

“As the newest Wegmans in Massachusetts, we are excited to welcome the community to our new store, which also includes Market Café with indoor and outdoor seating for over 200,” says Burlington Executive Chef Joe DeVito. “This is the time of year when families are looking for new ideas on ways to make meals and snacks that are healthy, tasty, and affordable. We know we can help.”

After-School Snack Tray from Wegmans

1. Start with an empty ice cube tray.
2. Fill cubes with assorted finger-foods and stick it in the fridge – try cut fruits and veggies, nuts, low-fat proteins, dairy, whole-grain crackers, cheese, and dips like hummus or flavored yogurts.
3. After school, the ice cube tray becomes a mix-it-yourself snack bar for the kids!
   
   

“Think about using the ice cube tray to redefine after-school snacking, and include some of the nutritious foods your kids might have missed out on during the day, like fruits and veggies. Be sure to add some power protein too, like cheese cubes, hummus, or even organic yogurt,” says Wegmans Nutritionist Krystal Register, MS, RD, LDN. “A smart way to make sure kids are eating right is to balance a snack the same way you would balance a healthy sit-down meal. Instead of filling up on chips or cookies, let them dip raw veggies, munch on whole grain crackers, and top off the snack with fresh or dried fruit and some crunchy nuts.”

How can Wegmans help fill your ice cube snack tray? Here are some ideas – try different assortments to change things up and keep snacks interesting:

• Fruits: Berries, grapes, or wedges of apple, melon, or citrus fruit. Slices of kiwi or banana. Dried fruits.
• Veggies: Mini sweet peppers, snap peas, cucumber or zucchini slices, cherry tomatoes, baby carrots, raw broccoli or cauliflower florets.
• Lean protein: Slices of deli meats such as ham, turkey, or chicken.
• Nuts: Mixed nuts, sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
• Dairy: Chunks of mild cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or spoonfuls of cottage cheese or yogurt.
• Whole grains: Whole-grain crackers, pretzels, or popcorn.
• Dips: Hummus, nut butters, Greek yogurt dips in flavors such as onion, dill, or Mediterranean herb; or flavors that go with fruit such as lemon or French vanilla.

A study published in 2012 by Cornell University researcher Brian Wansink, Ph.D. showed that kids who were offered a combination snack of vegetables and cheese were satisfied with fewer calories than a group of kids who had a snack of chips only. Wholesome ingredients, extra calcium and fiber, plus appetites satisfied with fewer calories? That sounds like a winning combination for an after-school snack! For even more snack ideas, print out the “ Snack with the Power of 3” brochure from wegmans.com.

For information on joining the Wegmans Burlington team, visitwww.wegmans.com/careers.