Back to school brings a lot of excitement and changes. But one thing you may be dreading as a parent is trying to get creative with brown bagged lunches for the kiddos. Whether you have a picky eater or just want to give your son or daughter some variety, we have some great back to school lunch ideas for you.
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Snacks
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- Fruit kabobs are a fun way to pack sliced fruits. Try pineapple, banana, apples, strawberries, blueberries, grapes, kiwi, and watermelon.
- Yogurt is a great sweet treat that give your child a good dose of calcium and protein. There are lots of options including drinkable, spoonable, or squishable packages.
- Fruit leathers or granola bars are an easy non-perishable snack for kids
- Trail Mix also packs lots of protein and good-for-you fiber. You can make your own using nuts, dried fruit, cereal, popped corn, or carob chips.
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Build Your Own Lunch
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- Pick a Protein:
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Sliced cheese, turkey, ham, tuna, pepperoni, hummus, bacon, hard-boiled eggs, or peanut/almond butter
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- Pick a Fruit or Veggie:
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Cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, sliced bell peppers, carrots, zucchini, celery, pickles, olives, or radishes.
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- Pick a Grain:
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Whole grain crackers, tortillas, sliced bread, bagel slices, cooked rice or quinoa, English muffins, brown rice chips, or sweet potato fries.
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- Use small reusable containers like these mini-dippers, for low fat ranch, Italian dressing, mustard, cream cheese, peanut butter, or jelly! Making adding a big flavor even easier.
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Lunchbox Essentials
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- Small freezer packs helps keep cold items chilled until lunch time
- A thermos are a great way to keep hot things hot and cool things cooler. Great for soups, apple cider, mac-n-cheese, iced water, milk, or juice.
- Kid sized utensils make mealtime easier for little eaters just like these from Pottery Barn Kids
- Make each day a little more special with lunch love notes from Mom.
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