Quick, Easy, and Cheap Daycare Snacks for September


September is a busy month for families—back-to-school schedules, new routines, and, for daycare providers, the challenge of feeding little ones nutritious snacks that don’t break the bank. The good news? September is one of the best months for fresh, affordable produce. By leaning on what’s in season and watching for common sales, you can whip up snacks that are quick, easy, and budget-friendly. 

Here are some great tips for packing daycare lunches.

What’s in Season in September

Buying in-season produce means you get the best flavor at the best price. Here’s what’s usually plentiful in September:

  • Apples 🍎
  • Pears
  • Plums
  • Peaches
  • Grapes
  • Melons (cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon)
  • Tomatoes
  • Cucumbers
  • Carrots
  • Zucchini
  • Bell peppers
  • Corn
  • Potatoes
  • Squash (early varieties)

What’s Commonly on Sale in September

Beyond fresh produce, September often brings deals on:

  • Back-to-school snack packs (crackers, granola bars, yogurt tubes)
  • Cheese sticks
  • Nut-free spreads (like sunflower seed butter)
  • Bulk cereals
  • Juice boxes
  • Pasta and rice
  • Canned tuna and beans

Snack Ideas That Kids Love (and Won’t Cost a Fortune)

1. Apple Slices with Yogurt Dip

  • Slice crisp apples and serve with plain or vanilla yogurt. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra fun.

2. Cucumber and Carrot Sticks

  • Chop into small sticks or rounds and pair with hummus or ranch. Kids love finger foods.

3. Mini Cheese & Crackers

  • Use whole-grain crackers with a slice of cheese or a cheese stick cut into small bites.

4. Homemade Trail Mix (Nut-Free)

  • Combine Cheerios, pretzels, raisins, and a few chocolate chips. Portion into little baggies for grab-and-go.

5. Banana “Sushi” Rolls

  • Spread sunflower seed butter on a whole wheat tortilla, roll up a banana inside, then slice into little rounds. 
You can also create breakfast themed lunches for your kids that are always a huge hit! 

6. Zucchini or Carrot Mini Muffins

  • Great way to sneak in veggies. Bake a batch ahead of time and freeze extras for later.

7. Melon Cubes or Grapes

  • Refreshing, juicy, and naturally sweet. Just be sure to cut grapes in half for safety.

8. Corn & Cheese Quesadillas

  • Use leftover corn and a sprinkle of shredded cheese on a tortilla. Quick to make and easy to cut into wedges.

9. Pita Triangles with Dip

  • Whole wheat pita cut into triangles with hummus or guacamole.

10. Pear or Plum Slices with Crackers

  • Simple, sweet, and budget-friendly combo.

Quick Tips for Saving Even More

  • Buy in bulk when you can (big bags of apples, carrots, or grapes).
  • Pre-portion snacks into reusable containers so they’re ready when kids get hungry.
  • Freeze extras (like muffins, tortillas, or shredded cheese) to prevent waste.
  • Check flyers—grocery stores often discount seasonal produce even more during back-to-school sales.

September offers some of the tastiest, most affordable produce of the year. With a little creativity, you can serve daycare kids snacks that are healthy, fun, and easy on your budget—all while keeping prep stress-free.


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