Packing lunch for school can feel like a puzzle, especially when you have picky eaters with different tastes. With a soon-to-be 2nd grader and kindergartener, finding lunches that they’ll both eat – and enjoy – can be a real challenge.
But fear not! With a little creativity and some trial and error, you can put together nutritious, delicious and, most importantly, kid-approved lunches. Here are some easy ideas to help you get started.
DIY Lunchables
Kids love having control over their food, and DIY Lunchables are perfect for that. You can pack a variety of foods that your children can mix and match based on their preferences.
- Protein: Turkey or ham slices, pepperoni or cubed chicken
- Carbs: Whole grain crackers, mini bagels or pita bread
- Veggies: Baby carrots, cucumber slices or bell pepper strips
- Cheese: Cubes, slices or string cheese
- Dip: Hummus, ranch or guacamole
This way, one of your children can have their favorite turkey and crackers, while the other might prefer pepperoni and cheese.
Customizable Wraps
Wraps are a great way to sneak in some veggies and protein while keeping things fun and customizable.
- Base: Whole wheat or spinach tortillas
- Fillings: Grilled chicken, turkey slices or hummus
- Veggies: Shredded lettuce, carrots or cucumbers
- Extras: Cheese, avocado slices or a light drizzle of ranch
Let each child pick their fillings, roll them up, and slice them into pinwheels for fun and easy-to-eat lunches. You can also send the ingredients separately so they can assemble their wrap at school if they prefer.
Bento Box Variety
Bento boxes allow you to pack a variety of small portions, perfect for kids who get bored easily or like to snack.
- Section 1: Mini sandwiches (PB&J, cream cheese and cucumber, or turkey and cheese)
- Section 2: Fruit (grapes, apple slices or berries)
- Section 3: Veggies (cherry tomatoes, snap peas or baby carrots)
- Section 4: A small treat (yogurt-covered raisins, a granola bar or a few chocolate chips)
This option lets you cater to each child’s preferences by offering a little bit of everything. You can also introduce new foods without overwhelming them by including just a small portion.
Pasta Salad
Pasta salads are a great way to get some veggies in without your kids even noticing.
- Base: Whole grain pasta (fun shapes like bowties or spirals can make it more appealing)
- Protein: Grilled chicken, ham cubes or beans
- Veggies: Cherry tomatoes, peas or shredded carrots
- Extras: Cheese cubes or olives
- Dressing: A light vinaigrette or just a drizzle of olive oil
Pasta salads can be made the night before and served cold, making them a convenient and tasty option for school lunches.
Breakfast for Lunch
Who says breakfast foods are only for mornings?
- Main: Mini pancakes or waffles (cut into bite-sized pieces) with a small container of syrup or honey for dipping
- Sides: A boiled egg, a yogurt tube or a slice of bacon
- Fruit: Sliced bananas, strawberries or apple slices
Breakfast foods are often a hit with picky eaters and can be a fun way to mix things up.
Final Tip: Get Them Involved
Let your kids help pack their lunches. They’re more likely to eat what they’ve chosen themselves. You can give them options to pick from and let them assemble their lunchboxes, which makes them feel empowered and excited about lunchtime.
With these easy and flexible lunch ideas, you can keep all of your kids happy and well-fed this school year, even if they don’t like the same things. Remember, variety is key, and a little creativity goes a long way!
