Summer Dairy Foods & Activities for Kids
Summer is here, kids are out of school, and families are adjusting to a new normal for the upcoming summer months. Part of that adjustment is new eating routines for the kiddos. When schedules change, it can pose a challenge to continue with healthy options for our children, especially during the summer. So itโs up to us to ensure nutritious choices, including dairy, are included in their everyday diets during the hot, summer months.
Milk is just as important as water during the summer for the kids.
Water is a natural summertime go-to. While it hydrates and keeps kids going, many may not realize milk is just as vital for kids during summer. Milk contains protein, essential nutrients, and is a great source of calcium, which helps to keep the body healthy and strong โ something that will come in handy for active kids during the summer.
Milk also helps replenish the body. It provides fluids to rehydrate and electrolytes including calcium, potassium, sodium and magnesium to help replenish whatโs lost in sweat. So, by consuming milk, kids are still getting their water intake in addition to nutrition that water canโt provide. Itโs a win-win!
Healthy Summer Dairy Foods for Kids
Ensuring your kids have a balanced diet is a great way to keep them strong and healthy this summer. Their snacks and meals should include fruits, vegetables, grains, protein and of course dairy! Check out a few great snacks below!
Frozen Yogurt โ While ice cream is a delicious treat, give frozen yogurt a try, too, for something new. Try this yummy frozen blackberry yogurt recipe here!
Peanut Butter Yogurt Dip โ Mix natural peanut butter with vanilla Greek yogurt and serve with a favorite fruit, such as blueberries or strawberries. Check out the recipe here!
Fruit and Cheese Kabobs โ Pick your childโs favorite diced fruit and add cheese to make a fun-to-eat kabob. Check out the recipe here!
Vanilla Greek Yogurt with Berries โ To switch it up, try adding fresh Michigan fruit or low-sugar granola for crunch.
Veggie Wraps โ Add cream cheese and thinly sliced colorful vegetables such as red, yellow and green bell peppers to a wrap. You can add other veggies such as corn, peas, avocado and shredded carrots. Pick different colors of vegetables to create a rainbow.
Check out these fun dairy activities your kiddos can enjoy this summer!
Did you knowย free meals, including nutrient-rich milk, are available for Michigan children when school is out of session? 🥛➡️ Text ‘FOOD’ to 304-304 or visitย https://bit.ly/3A5umr6 to find a Meet Up and Eat Up Summer Meals site near you.