COUPON QUEEN: Budgeting tips to save on snacks

As a parent, I know how challenging it can be to keep kids satisfied with snacks during summer vacation without breaking the bank. That's why I'm sharing four ways that have helped me save on summer snacks, and I hope they'll help you, too. Seasonal and local produce Fruits and vegetables drop to their lowest prices in the summer, making it the perfect time to stock up. These items also make a delicious and healthy snack. Items like berries, melons, tomatoes and peaches are in abundance. Stores will run weekly sales, so grab whichever items are the cheapest that week. You may want to keep your eye on a few different ads and shop around if your kids love fruits and veggies as much as mine. Even with the extra stop, you can save while stocking up. During the summer, there are abundant farmers markets, local farms and roadside stands to buy from. You may even want to choose a "pick your own" farm. Choose a vegetable plant or two to grow with your kids if you have a green thumb. When my boys were little, we always grew cherry tomatoes. They were easy to grow, and the kids loved picking them. Make your own With the kids home all summer, why not turn snack time into a fun activity? Skip the boxed treats and make your own. Homemade snacks are not only more economical and healthier, but they also provide a great opportunity for quality time with your kids. Some things to try include trail mix, granola bars, frozen fruit pops and smoothies. Got a sweet tooth? Make some brownies or cookies with the kids. You'll pocket the savings if you make your own and create lasting memories in the process. Buy in bulk When buying a lot of snacks, try bulk purchasing to reduce the cost per unit. Instead of individually packaged chips, grab a large bag and package your own. If you are buying a large amount that will take a while to get through, store your bulk items in airtight containers to keep them fresh longer. If you have big snackers in your house, you may want to encourage them to participate in dividing the snacks. This not only teaches them about portion control but also about the value of money and how to make smart choices when it comes to snacks. Use leftovers My three teen boys can eat! A small bag of chips is no longer enough to satisfy their craving for a snack. In fact, sometimes their snack portions can look like a full meal. Because of this, we turn dinner leftovers into fun and tasty snacks. For example, leftover chicken can be shredded and turned into a quesadilla, and the pulled pork can be reheated and turned into a delicious taco. With them home from school, eating leftovers is encouraged and expected. I'll even make extra portions for dinner to have leftovers on purpose. Doing this makes their late-night snacking much more accessible and may even become a meal or two. By using these strategies, I hope your kids can enjoy delicious and refreshing snacks all summer long without breaking the bank. This week's deal Here's a deal to grab this week at CVS. Select Kellogg's Cereal 7.8-14.5oz. Only $1.99 (regularly $5.99) Rachel Krych is passionate about helping others spend less and save more. In addition to her weekly column, she has a blog, Couponing With Rachel, which earns her compensation from Google for ads it places there and from entertainment marketers whose promotional codes she touts. She doesn't write about entertainment in her column. Email her at couponingwithrachel@hotmail.com.