Halloween is lots of fun for children. But
is there such a thing as
eco-friendly Halloween treats? Should we be handing out so many sugary
snacks to children? What are you going to be handing out to the Trick- or-Treaters
this Halloween?
What is Trick-or-treating? On Halloween night, children
across North America and in other countries go from house to house in costumes, asking for treats
with the question, "Trick or treat?" The "trick" part
of "trick or treat" is a threat to play a trick on the homeowner
or his property if no treat is given. Of course, many children are
only interested in the Treat part!
The real question is "What do you give out on Halloween?"
Often our modern values compete with the trick-or treating customs of
our childhood. Many of us are concerned about environment.
It's hard to fit those values with the idea of buying low nutrition
snacks, that are mass produced and could have traveled thousands of miles
before reaching a store near you.
With today's economy, does it make sense to spend money on candy or
chocolate bars when most families have other financial priorities?
Of course, many families are trying to encourage healthy eating
habits. Should we be giving out potato chips or other high calorie
snacks?
As I said, the real question is "What am I going to hand out this
Halloween?"
Nutritional Snacks that appeal to Kids.
Nuts in the shell so parents know they haven't been tampered
with.
Mandarin Oranges or Tangerines.
Small boxes of raisins.
Individual Granola bars (make sure the ingredients are listed).
mini bags of pretzels
Packets of Hot chocolate mix so the kids can have a warm drink when
they get home.
Tetra Pacs of real fruit juice.
If you live in a small community, you might be able to hand out
nutritional home baking. Make sure each ite and the ingredients.
Have a crock pot with Hot Apple Cider. You could serve it in
disposable cups they take with them, or even use your own mugs and
plan to talk with the kids as they have their drink and warm up.
This idea is great for households with lots of Halloween decorations
to look at.
Items other than Food for Trick-or-Treat Bags
small puzzles
hand games
gift certificates to local stores, small restaurants.
Passes to the local recreation center
gift certificates to a movie theater
interesting stickers
colorful pencils or fancy erasers
Do you have some good ideas that should be added to this list of
trick-or-treat suggestions?
Send in your ideas and we'll keep
growing the list of ideas on what to hand out for Trick or Treat on
Halloween.
Halloween is lots of fun for children. But
is there such a thing as
eco-friendly Halloween treats? Should we be handing out so many sugary
snacks to children? What are you going to be handing out to the Trick- or-Treaters
this Halloween?
