Healthy Lunches for School Kids: 8 Creative Ideas

By packing healthy lunches for school kids you’re showing your school-aged children that their health and nutrition is one of your top priorities. However, if you’re like me, you rush to make your kids lunches just in time for them to skip out the door for school. In that rush, it can be hard to insure your kids’ lunches are nutrient rich foods that can help their brain gear up for learning.

As parents, it’s important we feed our children food that will nourish their bodies and minds. But trying to come up with new, interesting lunchbox foods can be a challenge, especially if you have a lot on your plate.

But have no fear! Below are some ideas for healthy lunches for you school kids that not only will make their tummy happy, but their bodies and minds, as well.

Healthy Lunches for School Kids Idea #1: Shape It Up!

Kids love novelty. A boring sandwich they eat day after day takes on new life when cut into fun shapes! Buy some interesting cookie cutters and create sandwiches with flair! My kids love it when I cut a tuna sandwich into the shape of a fish and use a raisin for its eye. Not only do my kids love it, but it’s fun for me, too!

Healthy Lunches for School Kids Idea #2: Cut Food into Bite-Size Bits

Kids love finger foods so why not indulge them! Take fruit, chicken, cheese, cantaloupe (you get the idea) and cut them into fun little squares.

Healthy Lunches for School Kids Idea #3: Macaroni and Cheese

If you’d like to pack a hot lunch for your child and use up some leftovers, you and your kids will love this! Macaroni and Cheese is always a hit. Add some veggies like broccoli and put it in a thermos.

Healthy Lunches for School Kids Idea #4: Build Your Own Sandwich

My kids love to stack and build which makes this lunchbox “technique” a hit. Think of sandwich items your kids love and pack them in separate containers for a fun sandwich building experience. This lunchbox idea can be “tedious” so be sure you have the time and energy for this one!

Healthy Lunches for School Kids Idea #5: Little Fruit

I love buying little apples, tangerines, grapes, and pears for my kids. I don’t know what it is, but they love it!

Healthy Lunches for School Kids Idea #6: Mini Kabobs

Create vegetable and/or fruit kabobs. Use toothpicks to create easy finger-foods. For an easy dipping sauce, use some yogurt. It’s healthy and tastes great!

Healthy Lunches for School Kids Idea #7: Create Your Own Trail Mix

This is an easy way to create a great snack while cleaning out your pantry all at the same time. Try mixing nuts, cereal, dried fruits such as raisins, apricots, and coconut or whatever else you can find in your pantry that your kids love.

Healthy Lunches for School Kids Idea #8: Always Pack a Healthy Drink

Sugared drinks and much of the fruit juice on the market today is really sugar water and should be avoided at all costs! Instead of packing this unhealthy drink, try milk, soymilk, or water.

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