Healthy School Lunches: Yes, They Do Exist

Lunch is key when it comes to fueling your child through the school day. But what does a healthy lunch look like – one that kids will actually eat? Our Memorial Wellness Center experts weigh in with fun and practical ideas for school day lunches that will help power your student through the afternoon.

Packing Their Lunch?

1. Keep your child involved. Kids are more likely to eat foods they have picked out. When grocery shopping, let your child select which foods will go in their lunch box.  Encourage them to pick either a fruit or a vegetable for each lunch packed.
2. Variety is key. Even if you plan on packing the same deli meat all week, switch out the bread for a whole wheat wrap, pita, English muffin, or a lettuce leaf for some variety.
3. Use easy to eat pieces. Cutting a sandwich into triangles or cutting fruits and veggies into bite size pieces will make it easier for kids to eat during the limited time they have for lunch.
4. Don’t forget the dip. Try sending peanut butter to encourage your child to eat that apple or celery sticks. Try hummus for vegetables like carrots and zucchini or yogurt dip for grapes and berries.
5. Include a healthy drink. Choose milk, 100% fruit juice or water.
6. Consider the containers. There are so many different reusable options to choose from today. Let the kids pick a fun container and participate in packing the lunch. Make sure they know how to open all the containers by themselves.

School Lunch Tips

1. Review the school menu ahead of time and together. Decide which days your child will purchase the school-provided lunch and which days to bring lunch. This will help avoid last minute morning stress.
2. Discuss healthy and balanced meals with your child. Promote whole grains, fruits, vegetables, dairy and low-sugar items as priorities. Recognize that a treat is okay to include as well. The food kids eat at lunch will be used by their bodies and brains to fuel both afternoon classes and after-school activities.
3. Practice healthy portions at home so students can repeat these habits in the lunchroom.