by Kristina Case

Let the school year frenzy begin! As the school year kicks off in the Treasure Valley, many parents find themselves scrambling to pack nutritious lunches amidst the morning rush. Ensuring that children, aged 5 to 18, receive adequate nutrition during their school day is crucial for their physical and mental development. To help you navigate the chaos, we've compiled a list of healthy, quick, and easy lunch ideas that will make your mornings smoother and keep your kids energized and focused throughout the day. Remember, a little planning goes a long way!

Tips for Packing Nutritious School Lunches:

• Use a Balanced Formula: When packing a lunch, aim to include a protein (to help them stay full), a carb (to give them energy), fruits and veggies (for important nutrients), and a treat (for fun).
• Involve Your Kids: Establish snack boxes in your fridge and pantry that kids can easily grab from to make their lunch. In the fridge, stock juice boxes, yogurt tubes, cheese sticks, lunch meats, hummus or guacamole cups, cut-up veggies and dip, hardboiled eggs, and protein drinks. In the pantry, stock meat or jerky (Chomps is a good brand), multigrain crackers, squeezable fruit/veggie packets, dried fruit and nuts, trail mix, nut butters, protein bars, fruit and pudding cups, granola bars, chips, popcorn bags, shelf-stable milk boxes, and don't forget the treats.
• Invest in Quality Supplies: Good ice packs, a lunch box with separate compartments, and disposable sauce cups with lids (for dips, dressings, and sauces) are essential. Don't forget plastic cutlery, napkins, and a thermos for keeping soup or pasta warm.
• Prep the Night Before: Try to pack as much as you can the night before to reduce the morning rush. If possible, spend some time on Sunday night prepping fruits and veggies, boiling eggs, making wraps, etc. Your child can help with this too!
• Utilize Leftovers: Leftovers make a filling lunch. The chicken from the night before can be turned into a sandwich, salad, or wrap.
• Repeat Meals: Kids don't need a different lunch every day. It's perfectly fine for them to eat the same thing a couple of times a week.

 
Easy and Healthy Lunch Ideas:

• Snack Box: Fold up deli meats, add sliced cheese, crackers, and an assortment of veggies and fruit.
• Quesadillas: Use your child's choice of meat for added protein and serve with salsa or guacamole and fruit. These can be made the night before and taste great at room temperature.
• Breakfast for Lunch: Try toaster waffles, breakfast sandwiches, breakfast burritos, hardboiled eggs, egg bites, or bagels with cream cheese. These options are filling and taste great at room temperature. You can also make a nutrient-packed smoothie and place it in a thermos to stay cold or freeze it the night before.
• Wraps: Put anything in a tortilla, wrap it up, and slice it into pinwheels for easy finger food. Options include turkey or ham and cheese, peanut butter (or any nut butter) and banana or jam, hummus, and veggies.
• Pasta: A versatile side or main dish. Make a simple pasta salad or toss cooked pasta with marinara or cheese sauce. Serve with a side salad or cut up veggies and dip.
• Rice Bowl: Start with brown rice or quinoa (or both). Add a protein such as leftover chicken or cooked beans. Include veggies like sautéed greens, steamed veggies, raw corn kernels, or carrot matchsticks. Top with a sauce or dressing or serve it on the side.
• Sliders: mini cheeseburgers pack well for lunch and can be made ahead of time. Cook pre-made hamburger patties and pair with dinner rolls or slider buns and serve with potato chips, and veggies. Make sure to pack your child's choice of condiments.

Have a wonderful school year!