The school year will be coming to and end soon which means the end of after school snacks. 

Very soon I’ll be able to say I survived 180 days of coming up with quick snack ideas my kids can grab before starting their homework.

I plan meals and snacks for all five of us and have to find creative ways to feed on a budget. That means, including cheap food ideas where I can.

When in Walmart, I always grab a few of the Kraft $1 items to keep in my pantry. 

Individually, they don’t look like a complete meal, but if combined right, can provide your kids with easy quick snacks between lunch and dinner.

My kids love Kraft macaroni products which is great because the Kraft Original Flavor Macaroni & Cheese Dinner and Easy Mac Macaroni & Cheese, micro cups are always $1 at Walmart. 

I can create an entire meal for under $2 per child shopping the Kraft Foods $1 items.

I let my kids choose a drink and dessert to go with their macaroni. For their drink they can choose from Capri Sun or Kool Aid Burst. And for dessert they can have a vanilla or chocolate Jell-O Instant Pudding.

Here’s a fun way to turn this simple combination into a kid friendly snack station. 

You’ll need: 

Main Course (choose 1)

• Kraft Original Flavor Macaroni & Cheese Dinner
• Easy Mac Macaroni & Cheese, Micro Cups

Dessert (choose 1)

• Jell-O: Instant Chocolate Pudding & Pie Filling
• Jell-O: Instant Vanilla Pudding & Pie Filling

Setting up a snack station for the next day or even for a week is an excellent way to build independence in your children and a great way to prepare in advance for snack time.