Back-to-School Lunchbox Ideas
This will be the first year that my kids are leaving the house to go to school, so I’m the “new mom on the block” when it comes to packing a lunch each day. When I’ve been shopping at Walmart recently, I’ve been making mental notes about my kids’ lunchtime favorites, thinking of creative ways to send them a balanced meal in their lunchboxes each day.
Growing up, my mom sent us to school with a sandwich (that was usually soggy by lunchtime), a piece of fruit, and sometimes a baggie of chips in our lunchboxes each day. While she meant well, I often found myself “passing” on my noontime meal and begging to be allowed to buy hot lunch instead.
I don’t want my kids to hate the lunches I pack for them, so I’ve been trying to brainstorm fun and creative lunch ideas that won’t be soggy before noon.
Protein Ideas:
- hardboiled egg
- no-bake protein balls
- trail mix
- cubed/sliced turkey
- bean dip/hummus
Fruit/Veggie Ideas:
- apple slices
- grapes
- raisins
- banana
- orange slices
- applesauce pouch
- carrots
- broccoli
- diced/sliced tomatoes
- pickles
- cucumber slices
Grain Ideas:
- crackers
- tortilla chips
- tortillas
- bread cubes
- rice cakes
- spiral pasta
Dairy Ideas:
- cheese cubes
- Yoplait® Go-GURT®
- carton of milk from the lunch line
- shredded cheese
Portions and Choices
Using the recommendations from ChooseMyPlate.gov, I’m letting my kids choose what they want in their lunchboxes each day (based on what we have available).
- 3 choices of Fruit/Veggies
- 1 choice of Dairy
- 1 choice of Protein
- 2 choices of Grains
By letting them choose what goes in their lunchboxes, they’re more likely to eat their entire lunch!
A Fun Trick for Keeping Lunch Cold
If this summer’s lunch choices are any indication, I have a feeling that Yoplait® Go-GURT® will be a regular favorite option in the kids’ lunchboxes. This is actually a plus in my book, as I can throw an entire box of Yoplait® Go-GURT® in the freezer when I bring it home from the store, and the individual packages become ice packs for their lunchboxes to keep their food cold!
Another idea is to freeze a bottle of water for use as an ice pack, providing them with an easy way to hydrate throughout the day.
What are your kids’ favorite lunchbox ideas?
The ChooseMyPlate.gov icon is used with permission from the USDA and in no way implies USDA endorsement of the content of this article.
Be sure to shop at Walmart to see all the great Yoplait® Yogurt varieties available to include in your kids’ lunchboxes this school year: Original, Light, Greek, Gogurt®!
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Yoplait®. The opinions and text are all mine.
