Let’s Do Lunch: Tips for Making Back-to-School Meals Healthy and Fun

Soon, kids everywhere will be making their way back to the classroom — and in some cases, for the first time in quite a while. Whether thoughts of your little ones heading back to school evoke tears or applause, this much is clear: It’ll take some time to get back in the swing of things, even for mom and dad.

Though you may be out of practice packing your kids’ lunches, this midday meal is essential to fuel your child’s mind and body for the afternoon. You might be thinking, “how do I prepare a healthy meal for my child? Or, “how do I get them to eat it?” These are good questions, and we’ve got the answers.

1) Brush up on food facts

A healthy meal for a school-aged child is pretty much the same as a healthy meal for an adult. It includes nutrient-rich foods from key food groups — proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and dairy products — and goes easy on added sugars, and saturated fats and sodium.

By design, school lunch programs provide nutritious meals that are a good value for your money. But if your kiddos would rather bring a meal from home, allowing them to pack will go a long way in ensuring they get a midday recharge.

2) Consider a sandwich makeover

Sandwiches are a noontime staple. To boost their nutritional content, serve them on whole-grain bread and add veggies, such as baby spinach, tomatoes, sliced cucumbers or shredded carrots. To make a sandwich more interesting — and something your child will be more likely to eat — you could even use cookie cutters to make them into fun shapes.

Other unique “sandwich” options include:

• Making mini sandwiches on sweet potato or whole wheat crackers instead of bread
• Rolling meats, cheese and lettuce, in a whole wheat tortilla and then slicing it into small rounds
• Smearing low-fat cream cheese low-sodium pickle or carrot stick and wrapping it in deli meat

3) Rethink your child’s drink

Choosing a healthy drink for your child’s lunch is just as important as choosing healthy foods. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends providing mostly water and unflavored milk for beverages. The amount of fluid your child will need every day will depend on their age, but in general the recommendations can range from 32-64 ounces per day.

To help limit the amount of added sugar your child drinks per day, limit flavored milks, sports drinks, and other juices that contain added sugar. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting 100% fruit juices to 4 to 8 ounces per day. 

4) Think outside the (lunch) box

Of course, sandwiches don’t have to be part of every lunch. Mixing things up may keep your child from getting bored. Get creative and try:

• Finger foods. Cubed cheese and deli meats, sliced hard boiled eggs, berries, baby carrots, popcorn, and nuts are great choices. (Be sure to check the school’s policy on nuts in the lunchroom. They can be dangerous for kids with allergies.)
• Fruit kabobs. Place your kids’ favorite fruits on a wooden skewer to make rainbow kabobs: think blueberries, green grapes, pineapple, cantaloupe and strawberries, for example. It’s also fun to include also plain yogurt for dipping.
• Veggie kabobs. Just like fruit kabobs, veggie kabobs can be appealing and delicious. Options include cucumber slices, zucchini chunks, grape tomatoes, olives or whatever your child enjoys. Hummus, peanut butter or light ranch dressing are possible dips.

5) Eat the rainbow 

Choosing colorful food can help make a more attractive plate that is fun to eat for kids. The different colors of fruits and vegetables provide different vitamins and minerals. So, by including a variety of colors in your child’s lunch you are increasing the amount of nutrition they get from their meal. 

6) Get the kiddos involved 

Kids are more likely to be excited about their lunches if they have choices and are involved in the process. Here are a few suggestions:

a. Make a list. Together with your kids, create a list of healthy foods they enjoy within each key food group. It might look something like this:

• Dairy products: Milk, yogurt, low-fat cheese, cottage cheese
• Fruits: Apples, grapes, watermelon, berries, pineapple, cantaloupe, olives (Yep, they’re fruit!)
• Protein: Deli turkey or roast beef, hard-boiled eggs, nut butters, hummus, nuts
• Vegetables: Carrots, celery, grape tomatoes, bell peppers, broccoli, cucumbers
• Whole grains: Whole wheat tortillas, popcorn, whole-grain bread, pasta, crackers, cereal

b. Shop together. Take your kids to the grocery store with you and let them pick out healthy items (with your approval). They might even find new foods they’re willing to try. It’s also a good idea to get your child’s input when purchasing a lunch bag and storage containers. Just like a backpack, this back-to-school item allows kids to show a little personality. Kids are also more likely to take care of their belongings if they love them.

c. Plan a menu. Based on your purchases, sit down together and plan a lunch menu for the week. Aim to include foods from each category each day. And occasionally, a few bites of dark chocolate or an oatmeal raisin cookie are nice.

d. Pack ahead. Try bagging or packing items on the weekend for the upcoming week. It’s easy enough to keep them fresh in the fridge, and it will help your mornings run more smoothly. It’s also fun to add a note, funny picture or joke every day. These little pieces of home give kids reassurance, encouragement and something to look forward to at lunch time.

7) Keep it safe 

When it comes to food, safety should always be a priority. Before packing the lunch pail, consider these safety tips:

• Freeze drinks, such as juice boxes, water bottles or milk cartons. They should thaw by lunchtime.
• Use an ice pack to keep perishable foods safe. A frozen water bottle also works well.
• Wash reusable storage items every day, including lunch boxes, utensils, cups or thermoses and reusable storage containers or bags.