Kids Going Off to College? Send Along Some Food!

If you have children heading off to college this fall, make sure some basic food supplies go along with them.

Even if your students sign up for an on-campus food plan, they will want to have some basic supplies stashed for emergencies. Granola bars, fresh fruit, trail mix, popcorn, and other healthy munchies will get your kids through their first few days of classes while they scope out the local convenience and health food stores in their new location. If your kids have access to appliances that allow them to cook and refrigerate or freeze food, add boxes of cereal and even some baking mixes to their stash, along with dishes, silverware, and cookware.

Don't forget some treats: A box with a collection of coffees or teas, or filled with chocolates and hot chocolate mix, makes for great comfort food.

If your kids plan to live in a dorm, make sure you check the rules before bringing in appliances. Hot plates are often banned for safety's sake, while toasters, microwaves and air poppers for popcorn may be acceptable, as will a mini-fridge. Some dorms have groups of five or six rooms clustered around a communal kitchen and bathroom facilities; if your students are lucky enough to land in one of these or in an apartment with some roommates, they'll be able to do much or all of their own cooking. If so, start them off right by heading for the nearest supermarket and helping them stock up on milk, bread, canned goods, frozen entrees pizzas, salad fixings, and more.

Having access to a stash of healthy snacks for long study sessions, and being able to have breakfast where they live rather than having to trudge to the college cafeteria first thing in the morning, will make your kids' college lives a lot easier!