Back to school! Lunch can be awesome! Here are some fun and nutritious school lunch ideas for kids – and adult students too!

Whether you’re a little 3′ student or a 6′ student, going back to school is always an adjustment. Food can help make that bridge. It can give you, or them, something to look forward to and it certainly will get anyone off to a smoother start if they’re nourished and satisfied.

No two children are the same but most have a reputation for being picky eaters! When eating at home, parents know which foods their kids eat and which they push around their plates in the hopes they won’t have to put them in their mouth! School lunch is a different scenario altogether, as parents are not around to ensure the little ones eat a full and nutritious meal. Here are some school lunch ideas that might make it a more pleasant and less stressful experience for everyone!

  • DIY lunch: Kids may be more likely to eat a full lunch if they get to put it together themselves. Parents can put all the elements of a DIY lunch in their lunch box with ingredients that you know they love… or better yet, they choose and put it together themselves! It could be a DIY taco lunch, a sandwich, or a mini smorgasbord.
  • Burrito bowl: A burrito bowl with kid-friendly yet nutritious ingredients is another great school lunch option. Red beans are a good source of fiber and all beans are rich in potassium. Add some quinoa or brown rice for protein and you’ll helpthem avoid late-day hunger pangs. And lunch will make them feel great and be at their best in the classroom.
  • How about making it really easy for everyone and create an all-week-salad? Once and done! All you have to do is be sure to choose crunchy veggies like broccoli, cabbage, carrots, nuts/seed, dried fruits or dried meats or vegan sliced ‘meats’, you can add a grain like farro, brown rice or wheat berries, and of course the best part… a dressing they, or you (if you’re the student) love! Best thing is, it will feed your brain, not drain your brain!

Here’s a new dressing to try… Simmer fennel seeds, capers and garlic in olive oil. blend with your favorite vinegar and your favorite mustard. Done.

  • Good old Avo toast… or any toast will do!

Do we ever get tired of avocado toast? Well, maybe sometimes. The thing that’s wonderful about it though is that it’s so versatile. Make it sweet or savory, fancy or plain. And, it’s great comfort food. By the way if you really are tired of avocado, sub a vegan cream cheese (local Dare is always a great choice), ricotta (we carry a vegan one!), or Three Graces local spreadable goat cheese! That’s when the sweet ones get interesting

For the little ones, cut it up in pieces, but load it up first with their favorite things. It’s great because it doesn’t need a whole lot of stuff. And if you ask them what they want on it, they may surprise you!

Just in case… here are a few fun, different ideas:

  • Rstd swt potatos & maple syrup
  • Grilled mushrooms
  • Black beans & corn
  • Hard boiled eggs & tomato
  • Berries & honey or maple syrup
  • Figs and/or dates

So those are some fun ideas to get you started in your next chapter. Happy learning!