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Cheap snacks and treats for kids

Use when a parent or caregiver wants cheap, simple snacks and treats for kids from staples or food-box items.

In danger right now: call 911. Crisis or thoughts of suicide: call or text 988. Not sure where to start? Call the Silver City Gospel Mission: 575-388-5071. Police, fire or sheriff, not an emergency: 575-388-8840 (Central Dispatch). Print our list of phone numbers → · Food pantry calendar → · Free meals calendar → · Getting there: bus and rides →
These are the same steps our staff use when they help someone. "They" means the person who needs help: you, or someone you are helping. Go in order, and call ahead when you can.
In this guide
  1. Before you start
  2. No-bake peanut butter oat bites
  3. Stovetop popcorn
  4. Cinnamon tortilla chips
  5. Fruit cups and frozen pops
  6. Rice pudding

1Before you start

You can ask"How old are the kids? Any allergies?"
At the Gospel MissionThe Mission gives out weekend snack bags and food boxes. For more help feeding kids, see the guide "Feeding a family with kids on a tight food budget".
For children under 4, popcorn, nuts, whole grapes, hard raw vegetables and spoonfuls of peanut butter can cause choking. Cut food small and spread peanut butter thin.

2No-bake peanut butter oat bites

Makes about 20. About 15 minutes plus chilling.
  • 1 cup quick oats, 1/2 cup peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup honey or sugar syrup, raisins or a little cereal
  1. Mix everything in a bowl.
  2. Roll into small balls. Chill in the fridge 30 minutes.
  3. Keep in the fridge up to a week.

3Stovetop popcorn

Makes about 8 cups. About 10 minutes.
  • 1/3 cup popcorn kernels, 2 spoons oil, salt
  1. Heat oil and 3 kernels in a big pot with a lid. When they pop, add the rest.
  2. Shake the pot. Turn off heat when popping slows to 2-3 seconds apart.
  3. Salt it. Try a little chile powder or cinnamon sugar.

4Cinnamon tortilla chips

Makes 4 servings. About 10 minutes.
  • 4 flour tortillas, oil, sugar, cinnamon
  1. Brush tortillas lightly with oil. Cut into wedges.
  2. Bake at 350 degrees about 8-10 minutes, or crisp in a dry pan.
  3. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.

5Fruit cups and frozen pops

  1. Drain canned fruit and serve in cups, or mix with plain yogurt or cereal.
  2. Freeze 100% juice or blended canned fruit in small cups with a spoon for a handle.

6Rice pudding

Makes 4 servings. About 25 minutes.
  • 1 cup cooked rice, 2 cups milk (powdered is fine), 1/4 cup sugar, cinnamon, raisins
  1. Simmer everything on low, stirring often, 15-20 minutes until thick.

More help like this

Hungry today and needs food for the monthUse when someone is hungry now and also needs enough food for the rest of the month.Has special diet needs (diabetes, allergies, no teeth)Use when someone needs food that fits a health need: diabetes, food allergies, kidney or heart problems, soft food for missing teeth, or special baby formula.Someone is asking for money at your doorUse when a stranger knocks at your home or business asking for money, gas, food or a ride, and you want to stay safe, spot scams, and point them to real help.All food pantries in Grant County: places, days, times and what to bringUse when someone wants a list of every food pantry and free food distribution in Grant County, with where and when they are, who qualifies and what to bring.Wants to stock up on beans, rice, masa, flour, sugar, salt and oilUse when someone wants to buy basic staples (beans, rice, masa, flour, sugar, salt, oil) in bulk to save money and have food that lasts for months.Wants more fresh fruit and vegetables with SNAP (Double Up Food Bucks)Use when someone gets SNAP and wants more fresh fruit and vegetables. Double Up Food Bucks gives free extra money for New Mexico-grown produce at farmers markets.

See all guides in Food and basics →

This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer

Know a better way? Is something out of date?

If a number or place here is wrong, you know a better resource, or you know a better way to help, tell us. We automatically check reliable sources and update supported routine details. Unclear changes and safety guidance go to our staff for review.

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Print these steps · Find more places to get help · Hours and numbers change; please call ahead. Something wrong? Tell us
Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City, 575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.