Please be aware that birthday parties at school are not allowed. Kindergarten children have a snack time each day and some parents send in a “treat” for this activity on their child’s birthday. Remember, home-baked goods are not allowed under School Board policy. Instead of the old birthday cake and sugar rush we give our kids, let’s try doing it a better and healthier way. Palm Beach County Schools promote eating a healthy lunch and having 3 healthy meals a day, and since we all love to celebrate our kids’ special day we are now trying to incorporate the healthy birthday snack alternative. Here are some healthy snack ideas for birthday treats: fruit trays with dip, celery and carrot sticks with dip, sliced apple bags (with or without dip), sliced tomatoes over mozzarella slices (salad spray spritzers are great for those), mini bagels (with or without cream cheese or jelly on top), sugar free jell-o cups, sugar free pudding cups, mini pretzel bags, and of course to top it off, any 100% fruit juice drink. The best thing about the dips is that lots of them can be bought as separate dippers and that way each child can open their own and dispose of them easily. All in all, this is a win-win situation all around, a healthy treat for a happy celebration!