Snack it Forward

Healthy snacks and smiles for older adults

Looking for a simple way to share health, hope, and a little joy?

Pack and donate shelf-stable, nutritious snacks that help bridge the time between meals and offer a heartfelt reminder that someone cares.

What is Snack it Forward?

Snack it Forward is a fun and meaningful way to support older and homebound adults in our community. Through this donation-based program, volunteers and groups create individual snack bags filled with healthy, shelf-stable items that provide extra nourishment between meals. These thoughtful care packs help meet daily nutritional needs and remind recipients that they are not alone.

Each snack bag includes 4 individually packaged, shelf-stable snack items. Bags are delivered alongside regular meals to help bridge the time between deliveries, especially for clients who may be managing health challenges, mobility issues, or limited access to grocery stores.

Snack bags can be assembled off-site as a group service project or packed onsite at Nourish by appointment. They’re a perfect activity for workplaces, schools, scout troops, faith-based groups, and families looking to give back together.

Download a Flyer

Group Leader Guide

Why it Matters:

Many of our clients live alone and rely on home-delivered meals for daily nutrition. Snack it Forward bags provide a little extra fuel, comfort, and connection—especially for those facing food insecurity or health concerns. Your simple act of packing a snack bag can make a lasting impact on someone's day.

This program is entirely donation-based and made possible by the compassion and generosity of our community. Thank you for helping us Snack it Forward.

How You Can Help

Gather your team, group, or family to:

Collect shelf-stable, nutritious snack items (see suggestions below)
Decorate lunch-size paper bags with cheerful drawings, messages, or seasonal themes
Pack 4 healthy snacks into each bag
Include a kind note or card if you'd like
Drop off the completed bags at Nourish or schedule an onsite packing session

How Many Snack Bags Should We Make?

We serve 625 to 750 meals each day, so the need for snack bags is ongoing and always appreciated. Whether your group creates 10 bags or 100, every donation helps us provide a little extra nourishment and care to those we serve.

Most groups contribute between 25 and 100 snack bags, but there is no minimum. If you're planning to donate more than 100 bags or would like to schedule an onsite packing session, please contact us in advance so we can coordinate space and delivery.

Snack Item Suggestions

Each bag should include 4 different, individually packaged and shelf-stable items. Please avoid anything homemade, loose, or requiring refrigeration.

All items must be unopened and within their expiration date at the time of delivery.

Protein & Grain-Based Snacks:

Soft breakfast bar
Soft oat bar or bite with nut butter and/or jam
Granola or trail bar (low sugar preferred)
Pack of sandwich crackers (cheese or peanut butter)
Nut or seed butter squeeze pack
Snack-size tuna and crackers pack

Fruits & Fiber:

No sugar added fruit cup or applesauce
Dried fruit (raisins, apricots, banana chips, etc.)
Fruit leather or fruit strip
Trail mix (sealed, single-serve size)

Crunchy & Savory Snacks:

Low-sodium popcorn (individual bag)
Baked chips or pretzels
Whole grain crackers or multigrain snack packs

Sweets & Treats:

Snack-size package of cookies
Mini fig bars or fruit-filled cookies
Low-sugar treat (individually wrapped)