4 Easy & Healthy School Lunches for Kids

Packing healthy and delicious school lunches can be difficult, especially if your child is a picky eater. Cafeteria food can be expensive without providing the nutritional benefits you would prefer, but coming up with new and different meals your child enjoys can seem impossible. Next time you’re at the store, pick up the ingredients for these four easy options that will spice up your child’s lunchbox every afternoon.

Tasty Tuna
Instead of going with the traditional ham and cheese or peanut butter and jelly sandwich, give your child the lean protein his body needs with a delicious tuna sandwich. Put tuna, cheese, and fresh lettuce on whole wheat bread with a bit of Italian dressing for a tangy twist. Pair with fresh veggies and low-fat Ranch dressing for a filling, nutritious meal.

DIY Tacos
Lunch doesn’t have to be all about sandwiches. Instead, go for a taco theme that your child can easily assemble himself in the cafeteria. Use whole wheat tortillas filled with grilled chicken and shredded cheese as a base. Then, individually package vegetables that he enjoys. Consider including things like fresh tomatoes, lettuce, onions, peppers, and avocado. A small container of salsa is a great way to easily add flavor.

Fantastic Finger Foods
Finger foods are always fun to eat, so consider making an entire lunch out of them. Pair whole wheat crackers with cheese and sliced turkey for great mix-and-match options. Cut up fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, cucumbers, and broccoli and pair them with hummus for dipping. To round out the meal, slice up fresh fruit like strawberries or watermelon.

Scrumptious Soup
Soups are a great option for lunch, especially when the weather begins to cool down. You can easily make it the night before, heat it up in the morning, and pour it into a thermos. This way it will still be warm when your child sits down for lunch. Go traditional with homemade chicken noodle or switch it up by including a variety of vegetables and ground turkey in a seasoned broth.

What healthy school lunches do your enjoy packing for your children? Share them with other parents in our comments section.