Snacking is an important part of children's daily diet and the foods they choose for snack should be as healthful as the foods they eat at mealtime. Healthy snacks help to bridge the gap between meals and contribute to children's growth and development.  Most kids need two or three small snacks each day.  They should snack only at set times and never be allowed to graze on snack foods all day, even if the snack foods are healthy.

Here are some quick and easy snack ideas for children to try:

• Top English muffin pizzas with pineapple, tomato, mushrooms and other vegetables.
• Bake potatoes quickly in the microwave and serve with salsa, chili beans or broccoli and cheese.
• Toast frozen waffles and top with fresh fruit in season.
• Spread refried beans on a tortilla and warm in the microwave.
• Top yogurt with fruit and cereal.
• Cut raw vegetables into slices or sticks and serve with a dip made from plain yogurt and dry salad dressing mix.
• Blend several types of cereal, dried fruit and nuts or sunflower seeds for a quick trail mix.

Spread fruit-flavored yogurt on a graham cracker square, top with a second square. Wrap in plastic and freeze.