Home / You Matter / Post Go Back How to pack an easy, colorful school lunch 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. Aging and older adults Cancer care Careers Child health Classes and events Emergency and urgent care Exercise Foundation Heart health Hospital news Lung cancer Men's Health Mental health Nutrition Our community Patient stories Pregnancy and childbirth Primary care Rehabilitation Sleep Spine Center Volunteers Weight loss Wellness Women's health