Back-to-School Lunch Ideas

Whether you are already back into the swing of school schedule or it is on the horizon, no question gets asked to me more often this time of year more than, “What ideas do you have for me for school lunches”. Kids like variety and with so many stipulations on items such as nuts (because of allergies in schools) packing a school lunch these days can be a bit intimidating. Here are a list of some items that might just get you (and your kids) excited about lunch again.

Chiquita Banana Sammies – mix things up a bit by sending these instead of your typical pb&j sandwich!

These Quinoa Pizza Bites are perfect for little mouths. The kids will think they are eating pizza muffins and you will know they are getting a nutrient packed lunch.

What kid wouldn’t go crazy over spaghetti O’s in their lunch thermos? And this is a recipe you can feel good about because they are homemade! Don’t worry, they are easy to make and will earn you major mom points!

Again, another great thermos addition that will have your kids begging for more. Homemade Thermos Mac & Cheese.

Make your own yogurt tubes, freeze them and then pack them for lunches. They should be mostly thawed by lunch and ready to be eaten. You can also thaw them the night before in the refrigerator if you would like. Try this with your favorite flavors of yogurt.

Homemade Applesauce. Make this ahead and freeze it, thaw it the night before in the refrigerator or simply pack it for the kids to have an extra cold snack. Or consider making it into Go-Gurt style tubes.

Chiquita Banana Trail Mix - perfect for the lunch box side dish, after-school snack, or snack on-the-go.