Helpful Hints

• We have provided you with a few snack options to choose from each day. Read through each of the daily snacks and select the ones that would work best for your groups. Feel free to combine a healthy snack with a “treat” snack. Example: On Day 2, combine the Christmas Tree (fruit based snack) with a candy cane. Day 3, combine the Fun Fishy Nibbles with the Blueberry Rosary, etc.
• When purchasing the food, be sure to factor in a little more for your volunteers. It’s always a good idea to buy more than you think you will need. The extra food can be used throughout the week and at the closing celebration.  
• Bring the station leaders a mid-morning snack. They will love you for it.
• In addition to the recommended daily snack, it’s a good idea to provide fruit and veggies as alternative snacks in case someone has a food allergy.
• To save on disposible cups, ask parents to bring a water bottle with their child’s name on it. 
• Most of the food and supplies can be purchased a few days before the VBS, but keep an eye out for sales in the weeks leading up to VBS. 
• Have plenty of dish cloths and paper towels on hand for easy clean up. 
• Have the children wash or wipe their hands before handling food.
• It is very important that any information about participants or volunteers with food allergies get communicated to the Snack Leader. (See child registration forms)
• Share the Theme Connection for every snack and have a sample to show the kids. 
• On Friday, the snack team can assist in setting up for the Great Journey Celebration. Remember to put out any leftover snacks. 
• There is a snack station poster available. Print copies to post in your snack area. 
• Cover all the tables with white or brown paper.  As the children finish their snacks, they can use the space to doodle and play tic-tac-toe. Have crayons and markers on hand. 
• (Opt.) Do the after snack activities when the kids are finished their snack. 

Take What You Can Eat: Only grab as much food as you think you’ll be able to eat so there’s less left over. Think about what you’re really in the mood for before you get a snack. This helps avoid taking something you won’t eat.

Serve the food buffet style: kids can select what they want rather than getting it handed to them pre-portioned on a plate.

Save Leftovers: If you can’t finish your snack, save it for later. Put it in a container (with your name on it) and enjoy it another time!

Share with Friends: If you have more than you can eat, share your snacks with a friend or family member. It’s a fun way to make sure nothing goes to waste.

Try New Foods: Sometimes you might find new snacks you like better. Ask for smaller amounts to try new foods and avoid wasting the ones you don’t like.