The minute school starts, you'll be in the market for after-school snacks. Here are some simple suggestions for healthful and tasty snacks for children.

FILE 2006/Staff photo

Have a crowd coming over? A grocery deli-size tray of veggies is a perfect after-school snack.

Be sure to offer water or low-fat or fat-free milk to drink.

•Wrap ¼ cup canned beans in a whole-grain tortilla and top with diced tomatoes, lettuce and 1 slice of cheese.

•Make a snack mix of ½ cup dried fruit, such as raisins, dried apricots, cranberries and prunes, with mixed nuts (unsalted, if possible).

•Serve ¾ cup dry whole-grain breakfast cereals with ½ cup low-fat or fat-free milk and sliced fresh fruit

•Set out 1 cup sliced fresh vegetables, such as carrots, celery, broccoli and baby carrots, with ½ cup low-fat yogurt or sour cream-based dip.

•Serve ¾ cup sliced fresh fruit, such as apples, pears, peaches, papaya, banana or pineapple, with 1/2 cup low-fat yogurt or cottage cheese.

•If your child likes hummus, serve 1/3 cup hummus with 4 small, whole-wheat pita triangles.

•If your child likes granola bars, be sure to choose low-fat versions.

•For a filling snack without added fat, measure out 3 cups unbuttered popcorn.

•Serve 1 slice of cheese or 2 tablespoons of peanut butter with 3 to 6 (depending on size) whole-grain crackers.

•Make a yogurt and fruit smoothie using 1 cup low- or no-fat yogurt and ½ cup fruit.

The Associated Press