How to Pack a Frugal and Creative School Lunch

Most of today's cafeteria school lunches lag behind when it comes to packing a nutrient punch. Brown Bagging It is the Way to Go if you are looking to save money and have more control over your child's nutrition. With a little advance planning, you can pack a lunch that delivers a punch of the whole grains, lean proteins and fresh fruits and vegetables essential to a healthful diet. Here are a few tips to think outside the ‘lunch’ box.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 
    

   Get your Kids Involved in the Planning Process. Ask your student to make a list of their favorite sandwich, veggie and extras. Discuss their favorites, making sure to add whole grains and nutrient rich foods to their list if necessary. Consult the nutritional pyramid. Try to include a fruit, whole grain and calcium dense food every day.

2. 
    

   Instead of bread, serve lean cold cuts and cheese in a wrap, tortilla, hot dog bun, English muffin, roll or pita bread. Roll up your kid's favorite deli meat in a cheese stick, slice into thirds and secure with a colorful toothpick. Pack a mustard packet for dipping. Remove crusts from bread and cut out different shaped sandwiches using cookie cutters.

3. Try Different Sandwich Fillings. It is the quickest way to liven up a boring sandwich. Get creative and fill sandwiches with ranch dip, hummus, bean dip, low fat spreadable cheese, pimento cheese, barbecue sauce or jam and cream cheese.

4. Instead of calorie rich chips or cheese puffs, pack healthy granola or dry cereal, yogurt, pudding, nuts, Whole-grain crackers or Whole-grain chips. Pack pita chips and make your own hummus for dipping.

5. Don't forget the fruit and veggies. Slice the veggies and dice them, put them in a container and include ranch dip. High in protein and vitamin A, hard boiled eggs make a quick, tasty, lunch box treat. Boil the eggs and then dye them or use a crayon to draw simple designs like rainbows, footballs, hearts or flowers. Cut up different pieces of fruit and package in a plastic container. Use fruit or vanilla yogurt as a tasty dip.

6. Invest in a small thermos. Load it with mac and cheese, beanie weanie, tomato soup, chicken noodle soup, or other kid friendly eats. Heat up leftovers in the morning, and put them in the thermos. When paired with crackers or garlic bread, these lunch ideas score big points in the lunchroom. Use a frozen drink box to keep cold things cold.

7. 
    
   Pack your School Lunch with Love to help your Kid Make it through the school day

   Get Personal. Occasionally pack something extra special in your child’s kid lunch box like a note saying I love you or even a simple smiley face. It's a personal touch that only you can deliver that lets your kid know you care. It is guaranteed to put a smile on your child’s face!

Resources

• 15 Healthy Foods to Pack in a School Lunch
• Lunch Love Notes on Etsy
• Kid's Nutrition Pyramid