How do i keep carpet clean with 2 kids?

i live in an apartment. in every room there is carpet, except the kitchen which is too small for even one person to eat in. i also have a 1 year old and a 3 year old. they love to eat. the problem is that every time they eat it gets on the floor. by the time i have found whatever is on the floor,i.e. spilled juice, cereal bar, pop tart, mac and cheese and etc., it's smashed into the carpet. i have all ready spent money on getting the carpet cleaned about 6 months ago and it's too pricey to do it again. even when i vacuum it's stuck into the carpet and i can't get it up. what do i do. it's so embarring to have friends or family over because it looks like i don't take care of my apartment. i would love to pull it up and put some wood floors down but i live in an apartment and the land lords own this place. besides the walls are wood paneled and i think hard wood floors would be too much wood. help!!!