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Try adding popcorn, plain or seasoned, as another whole grain ingredient to this do-it-yourself trail mix

Try a healthy twist to some favorite goodies with healthy carrot cake cookies.

Cook your own dry beans for this hummus with tahini. One can (15 ounces) is about 1-1/2 to 1-3/4 cups drained beans.

Try adding popcorn, plain or seasoned, as another whole grain ingredient to this do-it-yourself trail mix

Try a healthy twist to some favorite goodies with healthy carrot cake cookies.

Cook your own dry beans for this hummus with tahini. One can (15 ounces) is about 1-1/2 to 1-3/4 cups drained beans.

Yeah, school’s back in session! That means meeting new teachers, reuniting with old friends and getting back into familiar routines.

If packing a school lunch is one of them, here are some tips to keep your kids’ lunches simple, healthy, and inexpensive.

Include choices from each food group — fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods, and dairy. If that’s too much, aim for foods from three of the groups.

Focus on protein and grains to keep little tummies full and happy longer. Hard boiled eggs, Food Hero’s Hummus with Tahini, sunflower seeds, tofu and turkey are all great protein options. Whole-grain crackers, breads, tortillas, cereals and Food Hero’s Healthy Carrot Cake Cookies are easy to pack and full of fiber.

Depending on their age, kids can peel fruits, assemble salads, measure, scoop and slice. Have your kids help you make a big batch of Food Hero’s DIY Trail Mix and portion it into individual servings for the week. This recipe also makes a great “after school” snack.

Let kids participate in grocery shopping for their school lunches. Reward them by letting them choose their favorite fruit to pack in their lunch.

Skip the juice boxes. Make water and low-fat or fat-free dairy milk easy options. Use a re-useable water bottle to save money and protect the environment. Have containers filled, in the fridge, and ready to go!

Use hot/cold packs to keep food safe and delicious.

While you probably won’t be able to do this during your kids’ school lunch breaks, eat meals together whenever possible. Turn off the TV and put away phones and tablets so you can “unplug” and focus on healthy foods and each other. Be sure to visit foodhero.org for more tasty, budget-friendly recipes. Here’s wishing you a yours a productive and successful school year!

Kathy Bates is a Family and Community Health Education Program Assistant for OSU Extension Service of Douglas County. Kathy can be reached by email at kathy.bates@oregonstate.edu or phone at 541-672-4461.

1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce or fruit puree

2 cups old fashioned rolled oats

1-1/2 cups finely grated carrot (about 3 large carrots)

1 cup raisins (or any type dried fruit)

Wash hands with soap and water.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a baking sheet.

In a large bowl, stir together the sugars, oil, applesauce, eggs, and vanilla. Mix well.

In a separate bowl, stir together the dry ingredients.

Blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir in the carrots and raisins.

Drop the dough by a teaspoon onto the baking sheet.

Bake 12-15 minutes until golden brown.

Store in an airtight container.

1 cup square-type whole grain cereal

1 cup o-type whole grain cereal

1 cup puff-type whole grain cereal

1 cup dried fruit of your choice

Wash hands with soap and water.

Set out a bowl of each ingredient with a serving spoon.

Let guests add a spoon of each ingredient to a plastic bag or other container. Shake to mix. Enjoy!

Peanuts and other small foods that are round are easy for your preschooler to choke on when swallowing them. Have your child eat at the table, or at least while sitting down.

Always watch your child while he or she eats.

1 can (15 ounces) garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed

2 Tablespoons lemon juice (fresh or bottled)

1 clove garlic or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1 Tablespoon tahini (sesame seed paste)

Wash hands with soap and water.

Place all ingredients in a blender.

Blend until desired consistency (more time for smooth dip, less for a chunky dip).

If hummus seems too thick, add 2 teaspoons water.

Spread garbanzo beans on a large plate. Mash well with a fork until they are as smooth as you like.

Mix with other ingredients in a small bowl.

If hummus seems too thick, add 2 teaspoons of water.

Change the flavor by adding chili powder, chopped cilantro or parsley, or hot sauce.

Freeze extra lemon juice to use later.

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A serious culinary sin is suggested by this article -- everyone knows a good snack mix needs butter and Worcestershire sauce!

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