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How to pack an easy, colorful school lunch

healthy lunchbox
Tips for packing school lunches from Salem Health Clinical Dietitian Sandra Frank:

  • Involve your child in food planning and preparation that is age-appropriate. Focus on healthy eating and what your child is able to eat.
  • Use an insulated lunchbox or carrier and refreezable ice packs.
  • Include a protein, grain, fruit, veggie, dairy product or alternative such as soy, almond, or coconut milk (if not buying milk at school), and an optional snack item. 
  • Use wheat bread or wrap sandwich stuffing in lettuce.
  • Use celery, bell pepper and/or carrot sticks to scoop chicken or tuna salads.
  • Roll up spinach, guacamole, and sliced red bell peppers in lunch meat; serve with carrots and fruit salad.
  • Make a pasta salad with cucumber, tomatoes, pepperoni, Italian dressing and gluten-free pasta; serve with berries.
  • Pack a taco shell with lettuce, cheese, and beans; add watermelon or seasonal fruit and celery
  • Wrap lunch meat around a cheese stick; serve with grapes, cherry tomatoes and granola bars or trail mix with allergen-free ingredients.

For allergy-free ideas, check out our article: Going to school with food allergies? Tips for parents.