Lunch box alternatives for kids of all ages
Download Healthy Food Choices for Kids information sheet (PDF)
Building a Healthy Lunch
A healthy lunch includes a whole grain, protein, fruit, and vegetable. Send your child to school with water or milk to drink with lunch. This will teach him or her to avoid sugary drinks like juice, sports drinks, and soda.
Mix and match these foods for new, healthy lunch combos:
Whole grains
- Whole wheat bread
- Brown or wild rice
- Quinoa
- Whole wheat pita pocket
- Whole wheat bagel
- Whole grain crackers
Proteins
- String cheese
- Hard-boiled egg
- Yogurt or Greek yogurt
- Cottage cheese
- Hummus
- Beans
Fruits
- Mandarin orange
- Watermelon
- Banana
- Mixed berries
- Unsweetened applesauce
- Nectarine
Vegetables
- Cucumber slices
- Broccoli
- Sugar snap peas
- Bell pepper slices
- Cauliflower
- Jicama
Here Are 2 Weeks of School Lunches for You to Try!
Week 1
Day 1
- Tuna salad on whole wheat bread
- Sugar snap peas
- Strawberries
Day 2
- Pita Pizza*
- Watermelon cubes
- Broccoli florets
Day 3
- Cheese quesadilla on whole wheat tortilla
- Hummus
- Carrot sticks
Day 4
- Sun Butter and Banana Bites*
- Baby carrots
- String cheese
Day 5
- Turkey wrap with lettuce, cheese, hummus and shredded carrots on a whole wheat tortilla
- Greek yogurt with berries
Week 2
Day 6
- Whole wheat pita pocket sandwich with grilled chicken, cucumbers, lettuce, and Tzatziki sauce
- Apple slices
Day 7
- Ham sandwich on whole wheat bread
- Bell pepper slices
- Applesauce
Day 8
- Chicken Pasta Salad*
- Greek yogurt
- Berries
Day 9
- Whole wheat bagel sandwich with cream cheese and sliced turkey
- Baby carrots
- Strawberries
Day 10
- Quinoa salad* with feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, and sliced cucumbers
- Grilled chicken strips
Recipes to Try
Sun Butter & Banana Bites
Whole wheat tortilla + Sunflower seed butter + Banana
Recipe: Lay tortilla flat and spread 1-2 Tablespoons sunflower seed butter across the surface. Place peeled banana on the
tortilla. Wrap the tortilla around the banana. Slice into bite size pieces (like sushi) or eat whole (like a burrito).
Pita Pizza
Whole wheat pita bread + Pizza or pasta sauce + Shredded mozzarella cheese + Your child’s favorite vegetable toppings
Recipe: Cover 1 side of pita bread with 1-2 Tablespoons sauce, cheese, and toppings and bake in oven or toaster oven at 350°F until the cheese melts. Allow pizza to cool before packing.
Fun tip: Try using a whole wheat English muffin or bagel instead of pita bread!
Chicken Pasta Salad
Cooked pasta + Grilled chicken + Broccoli slaw + Cherry tomatoes + Italian Dressing
Recipe: Cut or shred chicken. Mix all ingredients and toss with Italian dressing.
Fun tip: Use different types and shapes of pasta to keep salads fun – try whole wheat bow tie or penne pastas and macaroni noodles. Mix in different vegetables to add more color!
Quinoa Salad
Cooked quinoa + Feta cheese + Cherry tomatoes + Sliced cucumbers + Olive oil + Lemon juice
Recipe: To cook quinoa, follow directions on packaging. Once cooked quinoa is cool, add cheese, vegetables, oil and lemon juice, and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Safety Tips
Some children may have allergies and cannot eat or be near certain food items. Check with your child’s school to find out if it is safe to pack peanuts, tree nuts, or nut butters in your child’s lunch.
Pack your child’s lunch with an ice pack to help cold foods stay cold. If the lunch cannot be kept cold, do not pack foods that may become unsafe to eat, like milk, cheese, yogurt, egg, or deli meats.
