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    Are you ready to turn snack time into a joyous adventure for your residents? Say hello to the Snack Cart Vending Machine – an activity for seniors that’s not only delicious but also serves a heaping portion of positivity! 🍬🎉


    Build your cart to be Mobile, Accessible, and Fun!

    Picture this: a shoe storage 36 pocket hanging organizer, casually swaying from a mobile clothes rack. It’s not just a cart; it’s a movable feast of delights, ready to spread smiles from room to room. Perfect for our residents who prefer the comfort of their own space!

    image from Arcare Aged Care

    How it Works

    As you gracefully roll the snack cart into each room, it’s not just about treats; it’s about uplifting conversations. Ask each resident a fun and heartwarming question. For instance, ask them about things that they love about themselves. Their answers not only create beautiful moments, but also determine which snack pocket holds their surprise!

    Tailoring to Dietary Needs

    Catering to everyone is key. For those on soft diets, suggest picking a number between 25 and 36. Behind each numbered pocket awaits a carefully curated selection, from jelly cups to cool drinks, sweets, chips, and chocolate bars – a delightful treat for every taste.

    Restocking for the Repeat Joy

    The beauty of this activity lies in its replay value. The pockets are like treasure chests, waiting to be restocked and rediscovered. Everyone gets a turn, ensuring that the joy spreads like wildfire.


    Treat and Greet: Snacks with Positivity

    Treat and Greet snack cart is all about social interaction and delicious snacks in one. It is a well-stocked snack cart that can be a delightful addition to any aged care facility, providing residents with convenient access to healthy and delicious treats.

    image from Twilight Aged Care

    Assemble the Cart

    To build your “Treat and Greet” cart, start by finding a sturdy and easy-to-maneuever cart that fits comfortably in your common areas. Consider locking wheels to prevent unwanted movement. Utilize baskets, shelves, or clear containers to categorize your snacks for easy access and better visibility.

    Don’t forget to add a touch of personality with decorations that match your facility’s theme or create a festive atmosphere. Finally, label each container or shelf clearly with large, easy-to-read fonts, especially for residents with vision impairments.

    Stock the Cart with Healthy Treats

    To stock your “Treat and Greet” cart, prioritize variety and cater to diverse preferences and dietary needs. Offer an assortment of healthy and delicious choices, including fresh, sliced fruits, baby vegetables with dips, yogurt cups, whole-grain crackers, and individual portions of sweet treats.

    Remember to utilize portion control by opting for individual packages or pre-measured containers to prevent overconsumption. Finally, ensure freshness by regularly rotating stock and replenishing items as needed.

    Schedule your Greet Sessions

    More than just offering snacks, the “Treat and Greet” cart fosters social connections among your residents. By establishing a regular schedule and rotating locations, the cart becomes a familiar and anticipated event, encouraging residents to gather, share stories, and enjoy each other’s company.

    This simple act of greeting and interaction can significantly contribute to their overall well-being and sense of community within the facility.


    Lemon Zest: A Refreshing Snack Cart

    Embrace the sunshine with a “Lemon Zest” snack cart, offering a refreshing and flavorful selection of healthy snacks for your senior residents. This vibrant cart is not only visually appealing but also promotes healthy choices and encourages socialization.

    Decorate for Zest

    Imagine bringing a ray of sunshine to your residents with a “Lemon Zest” snack cart! Picture a cheerful cart, either bright yellow or white, adorned with playful touches like artificial lemons, sunny ribbons, or even lemon slice cutouts you can make together with residents. To complete the happy vibe, add a lemon yellow checkered or lemon-printed tablecloth – a touch that will surely bring smiles!

    Filled with Lemony Goodness

    Offer sliced lemons with a sprinkle of sugar or a touch of honey for a classic and refreshing treat. Sliced cucumber with a lemon-herb dressing is another light and healthy choice.

    Offer baked goods like lemon cookies, muffins, or pound cake squares are delightful sweet treats. Offer individual portions for mindful consumption. Also, serving homemade lemonade (sugar-free options available), or sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon are thirst-quenching choices for seniors to enjoy!

    Promote and Engage

    image from Lawton Senior Living

    As residents gather around the “Lemon Zest” cart, turn snack time into a social hour. Encourage them to share their favorite lemon memories or recipes, fostering a warm and nostalgic atmosphere everyone can enjoy. It’s a simple way to connect and create lasting memories, all while savoring the sunshine-y flavors.


    Smile & Snack Photobooth Snack Cart

    Bring joy and create lasting memories for your residents with a “Smile & Snack” photobooth cart! This engaging concept combines delicious treats with a fun photo opportunity, fostering positive interactions and capturing precious moments.

    image from public Facebook Page Cumberland View Aged Care Living

    Set it Up!

    Transform a regular snack cart into a photobooth! Decorate the cart with colorful streamers, balloons, and fun signs like “Say Cheese!” or “Strike a Pose!

    image from public Facebook Page St Sergius Aged Care Facility

    Create a fun backdrop or a big picture frame stand using fabric, streamers, or even a large poster board decorated with a photo booth scene. Fill a box with fun props like oversized glasses, hats, boas, and signs with playful messages. Residents will love dressing up!

    Smile and Snack

    Offer a variety of bite-sized snacks like cookies, crackers, fruit slices, and cheese cubes for easy enjoyment while taking photos. Of course, don’t forget to provide refreshing drinks like water, juice boxes, or individual cups of coffee or tea to complete the snack experience. Remember to prioritize healthy snacks to promote good health.

    image from The Lodge in Sisters

    Capture the Moment

    Consider using a Polaroid style instant camera like an Instax to print out photos immediately, allowing residents to take home a physical memento of their fun experience. Alternatively, use a digital camera and print photos later or share them electronically with families for added enjoyment.


    Themed Snack Cart Ideas

    Groundhog Day Snack Cart!

    Customize your Snack Cart for special events, see this fun Groundhog Day example, aptly named the “Hibernation Snack Cart.” As we celebrate this tradition, our residents are treated to a delightful selection of snacks to keep them fueled and smiling throughout the day. From crunchy potato chips to sweet and juicy pieces of fruit, there’s something to satisfy every craving. And to ensure our seniors stay hydrated and refreshed, we proudly offer a vibrant green juice dispenser with the playful reminder, “Don’t Hibernate. Hydrate!” Join us in embracing the spirit of Groundhog Day with a snack cart that promises both nourishment and cheer!

    Sporting Day Snack Cart!

    Seniors in care will love a spirited sporting day-themed snack cart! Bursting with classic game day delights, our snack cart is rolling in with hotdogs, complete with all the fixings, alongside refreshing root beer to wash it down. And no sporting event is complete without the iconic crunch of Cracker Jacks, adding an extra layer of excitement to the festivities.

    Positive Reminders

    image from Oakmont of Lodi

    Beyond the snacks, the real magic happens with the uplifting questions. Encourage residents to reminisce about the best things they’ve done for others, recall the happiest days of their lives, and share tales that warm the heart. It’s not just a snack cart; it’s a journey through a buffet of memories and positivity.


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