Simple and Healthy School Lunch Ideas

Need a few ideas on what to pack in your child’s school lunch, or your own lunch?  You’ve come to the right place.

Here you’ll find ideas on healthy and simple lunches that include fruits, vegetables and snacks.    Just pick something from each section, and your lunch is planned.

Be sure to click on our printable School Lunch Ideas Chart at the end of the article.

Choices for Lunch:

Crackers and mozzarella stick

Ham, turkey and cheese rolls (no bread)

Hummus and crackers

Pita roll:

  • Tuna
  • Chicken salad

Yogurt and fruit

Sandwiches:

  • Cheese and pepperoni
  • Turkey
  • Ham
  • Peanut butter and jelly ***

*** There are so many children with peanut allergies.  Check with your child’s school to confirm the policy on peanuts.

Next pick a vegetable:

Finger Foods:

  • Broccoli
  • Carrot sticks
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Cucumber
  • Peppers

*** Add ranch dressing for dipping

Garden Salad with side dressing:

  • Lettuce
  • Tomato
  • Cucumbers
  • Radishes
  • Carrots

There are plenty of fruits to select.  Here are a few ideas:

Apple

Cantaloupe

Grapes

Honey dew melon

Mandarin oranges

Orange

Peach

Pear

Pineapple

Plum

Strawberries

Watermelon

Finally, consider a beverage:

Water

Juice box

Purchase milk at school

Tips on Making School Lunches:

  • Make it the night before
  • Change it up; offer different sandwiches and colorful food
  • Make a fruit salad to eat over a few days

Stick with healthy choices:

  • low fat
  • high protein
  • low salt
  • no sugar added
  • whole wheat grains
  • no processed  foods

Now you’re ready to make lunch! 🙂

Printable Chart:  School Lunch Ideas

 

For more ideas on making your meal planning a success, check out the following articles: