This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of General Mills®. The opinions and text are all mine.

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Fueling Success: Delicious Apple Cinnamon Brain Fuel Snack Mix for Back to School

As the sun sets on summer, the vibrant energy of back-to-school season takes over. For many parents, this transition means a whirlwind of activities, early mornings, and late evenings. The carefree days of spontaneous outings give way to structured schedules filled with school, sports practices, club meetings, and homework. If your car often feels like a mobile command center, you’re not alone. I know that feeling of constantly being on the go, navigating school drop-offs and pickups, and shuttling kids from one activity to the next. It’s a busy time, and one common refrain echoes through the car: “I’m starving!” or “What’s for dinner?”

This constant demand for fuel necessitates smart snacking solutions. We need easy, quick, and wholesome options that prevent kids from raiding the pantry before dinner, yet still provide them with the energy they need to thrive. That’s precisely why I crafted this delightful Apple Cinnamon Brain Fuel snack mix. It’s designed to be a lifesaver for busy parents and active kids, packing wholesome ingredients with the irresistible flavors of apple and cinnamon. Perfect for stashing in lunchboxes, grabbing after school, or munching on during car rides between practices, this snack mix became an instant family favorite. My daughter even took a bowl to cheer practice!

The Ultimate On-the-Go Solution for Busy Families

What makes this Apple Cinnamon Brain Fuel snack mix truly exceptional is its versatility and convenience. It’s not just a tasty treat; it’s a strategic solution for maintaining energy levels and focus throughout the day. Its portability means you can prepare a large batch and divide it into individual portions, making it effortless for kids to grab and go. Imagine the ease of having a wholesome snack ready for:

Car Trips & Commutes: Whether it’s the daily school run or a longer journey, this mix keeps hunger at bay without the mess of crumbly snacks.
After-School Boost: A perfect pick-me-up to bridge the gap between school dismissal and dinner, ensuring kids aren’t “hangry” or overeating before their meal.
Lunchbox Additions: A crunchy, flavorful surprise that complements any packed lunch and provides essential nutrients.
Sports & Activity Fuel: Give your child sustained energy for cheer practice, soccer games, dance class, or any extracurricular activity.
Playdates & Picnics: A crowd-pleasing option that’s easy to share and enjoy with friends.

This snack mix isn’t just for kids, either. Moms (and Dads!) on the go will appreciate having a convenient, delicious, and satisfying snack readily available to fuel their busy schedules. It’s a smart choice for everyone in the family, providing a delicious blend of textures and tastes.

Empower Your School with Box Tops for Education

Beyond the deliciousness and convenience, there’s another fantastic benefit to making this snack mix: supporting your local school through the Box Tops for Education program! Many of the ingredients you’ll use from General Mills products, readily available at Walmart, come with those invaluable Box Tops. Our family has been clipping Box Tops for years, and we consider ourselves seasoned pros. It’s such an effortless way to contribute to our children’s education without spending any extra money.

How Box Tops Make a Real Difference

Box Tops for Education stands as one of America’s largest school earnings loyalty programs, having contributed over an astounding $525 million to participating schools since its inception in 1996. With more than 80,000 K-8 schools nationwide taking part, there’s a strong likelihood that your child’s school is already benefiting. The beauty of the program lies in its simplicity: each Box Top is worth 10 cents to your school, and there are no stipulations on how the funds are spent. This means schools can use the money for anything from classroom supplies and library books to playground equipment and technology upgrades, directly addressing their most pressing needs.

That 10 cents per Box Top truly adds up fast! Just look at the pile we collected over our (too short!) summer break – it’s incredible how quickly they accumulate when you’re buying everyday groceries. During the back-to-school season, keep an extra eye out for specially marked packages featuring BONUS Box Tops. These special packages often contain five Box Tops, meaning a generous 50 cents per item goes directly to your chosen school. Imagine the impact if every family grabbed a few of these bonus boxes!

Grandparents, this is a fantastic opportunity for you to get involved too! Save those Box Tops when you see them and let the grandkids take them to school. Chances are, their classrooms are running contests to see who can collect the most. Our kids have won incredible rewards for their classrooms, ranging from fun movie afternoons and cozy Pajama Days to exciting ice cream socials. Our school specifically allocates its Box Tops funds to enhance our Physical Education and Computer departments, providing better resources and experiences for all students. It’s a simple act with a profound impact, fostering a sense of community and direct support for our educational institutions.

Simple Ways to Support Your School with Box Tops

Scan Your Groceries: Many Box Tops are now digital! Download the Box Tops app and simply scan your receipts after shopping to instantly earn for your school.
Clip the Classics: For those traditional Box Tops, carefully cut them out and send them to school with your child. Many schools have designated collection bins.
Rally Family & Friends: Encourage grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends to save their Box Tops for your child’s school. Every single one counts!
Look for Bonus Offers: Always be on the lookout for products with bonus Box Tops, especially during peak back-to-school shopping times.

More Than Just a Snack: Creative Gifting Ideas

This Apple Cinnamon Brain Fuel snack mix isn’t just for your family; it also makes a thoughtful and practical gift. Its wholesome nature and delicious flavor make it a welcome gesture for many people in your community during the busy school year:

Teacher or Principal Gifts: Show appreciation for the educators who dedicate themselves to your children. A homemade, healthy snack is a heartfelt thank you.
Gifts for Your Children’s Friends: Share the goodness with classmates and friends. It’s a sweet way to celebrate friendships, especially for parties or playdates.
Fun Little Gifts for Your Mom Friends: Every busy mom values a portable, wholesome snack that can be enjoyed on the go. Share this recipe and a batch with your parent network!
School Event Contributions: Bring a large batch to school potlucks, sporting events, or teacher appreciation luncheons. It’s always a popular choice.

Presenting this snack mix with our free printable labels adds a personal and charming touch, turning a simple snack into a memorable gift.

Get Your Free Printable Snack Bag Toppers!

To make gifting or organizing this snack mix even easier and more charming, I’m sharing a FREE printable label with you! Simply click on the image above or the link provided, save it to your computer, and print it at a 5×7 inch size. Once printed, fold the label over and secure it to a sandwich or quart-sized baggie filled with your delicious Apple Cinnamon Brain Fuel snack mix. It adds a professional and personal touch, making it perfect for gifts or neat storage in your pantry.

Crafting Your Own Apple Cinnamon Brain Fuel Snack Mix

Now that you’re ready to conquer the back-to-school chaos with smart snacks and school support, it’s time to make this fantastic Apple Cinnamon Brain Fuel mix! This recipe is incredibly simple, requiring minimal prep time and yielding a generous two-gallon bag full of deliciousness. You’ll have plenty to keep your family fueled and even extra to share with teachers, friends, or other busy parents. While I encourage you to experiment with your favorite ingredients, here are the core components that make this mix a wholesome and flavorful hit. Feel free to adjust quantities or add your own twist!

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Back to School Apple Cinnamon Brain Fuel in a baggie

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars based on 3 votes

Print Recipe

Back to School – Apple Cinnamon Brain Fuel Snack Mix

Snack mix made with wholesome ingredients full of cinnamon and apple flavors. Perfect for on-the-go kids AND Moms!

Prep Time: 5 mins | Total Time: 5 mins

Cuisine: American | Keyword: Apple Cinnamon Brain Fuel

Servings: 2 gallon bag

Calories: 457 kcal

Author: Michaela Kenkel

Ingredients

1 (8.75 ounce) bag Honey Nut Chex Mix
1 (12.9 ounce) box of Apple Cinnamon Cheerios
1 (12.1 ounce) box of Cinnamon Chex Cereal
1 (4.5 ounce) package dried apples, cut into small pieces
1 cup raisins

Instructions

Mix all ingredients together gently in a large bowl.
Store the finished snack mix in an airtight container or zippered bags to maintain freshness.

Notes

Find the FREE printable snack bag toppers here on this page! Simply save and print.

Nutrition

This Apple Cinnamon Brain Fuel snack mix is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to smart parenting in a bustling world. By taking a few minutes to prepare this wholesome treat, you’re not only providing your family with delicious, sustained energy but also actively supporting your child’s school through the Box Tops for Education program. So, next time you’re at the grocery store, grab those General Mills cereals and dried fruits, make a big batch of this mix, and empower your family and your community. Happy snacking and happy schooling!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of General Mills®. The opinions and text are all mine.