Back to School Lunch Ideas for Picky Eaters

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

As the school year approaches, parents are often faced with the challenge of preparing nutritious and appealing lunches that their picky eaters will actually enjoy. It can be disheartening to discover that your child has only eaten the snack items from their lunchbox, leaving behind the nutritious options. Fear not! With a little creativity and some fun ideas, you can pack lunches that entice even the most selective eaters.

1. Mini Veggie Wraps: Roll up turkey or ham slices with cream cheese and finely chopped vegetables like carrots, cucumbers and bell peppers in a whole-grain tortilla. Slice into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.

 

2. Homemade Lunchable: Create your own version of a Lunchable with whole-grain crackers, slices of lean deli meat and cubes of cheese. Add cherry tomatoes and snap peas on the side for extra veggies.

 

3. Pasta Salad: Toss whole-wheat pasta with diced grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes and brocolli. Dress lightly with olive oil and herbs for a flavorful and satisfying lunch.

 

4. Bento Box Variety (as pictured above!): Use a bento-style lunchbox to create a visually appealing meal with compartments. Include items like cubed watermelon, baby carrots with hummus, cheese cubes and wholegrain crackers.

 

5. Veggie Quesadillas: Spread black bean spread on a wholegrain tortilla, sprinkle with shredded cheese and add a layer of finely chopped spinach or kale. Fold over and toast until crispy. Cut into triangles for a fun twist.

 

6. Fruit and Yogurt Parfait: Layer vanilla Greek yogurt with fresh berries and granola in a reusable container. Kids can mix it up themselves for a tasty and healthy treat.

 

7. Turkey and Cheese Roll-Ups: Roll up turkey slices with a thin layer of cream cheese and a slice of cheese. Secure with a toothpick and serve with whole-grain crackers and apple slices.

 

8. Mini Pita Pockets: Stuff wholewheat mini pita pockets with hummus, shredded chicken and shredded lettuce. Add cucumber slices, sliced onions or cherry tomatoes for extra crunch.

 

9. Rainbow Salad Jar: Layer a mason jar with colorful ingredients like cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots, diced bell peppers and grilled chicken. Top with a light vinaigrette dressing and shake it up before eating.

 

10. DIY Snack Boxes: Create a customizable snack box with a mix of nuts, dried fruit, cheese cubes, whole-grain pretzels and dark chocolate chips. Let your child assemble their own snack combinations.

Tips for Success:

Get Creative with Presentation: Use cookie cutters to shape sandwiches into fun designs or arrange fruits and veggies in colorful patterns.

Involve Your Child: Let your kids help choose and prepare their lunches. They’ll be more likely to eat foods they had a hand in selecting.

Keep Portions Small and Manageable: Offer a variety of foods in smaller portions to encourage sampling without overwhelming your child.

Make it Fun and Appealing: Use colorful containers, silicone cupcake liners, or fun lunchbox accessories to make mealtime more enjoyable.

Creative and nutritious lunchbox ideas should encourage your picky eater to explore new flavors and enjoy a well-balanced meal. Remember to be patient and persistent and celebrate small victories along the way. With time and a bit of creativity, you’ll discover the
perfect lunchbox combinations that your child will eagerly devour. Happy lunch-packing!

ABOUT US:

For more Miami community news, look no further than Miami Community Newspapers. This Miami online group of newspapers covers a variety of topics about the local community and beyond. Miami’s Community Newspapers offers daily news, online resources, podcasts and other multimedia content to keep readers informed. With topics ranging from local news to community events, Miami’s Community Newspapers is the ideal source for staying up to date with the latest news and happenings in the area. 

This family-owned media company publishes more than a dozen neighborhood publications, magazines, special sections on their websites, newsletters, as well as distributing them in print throughout Miami Dade County from Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, South Miami, Kendall, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and Homestead. Each online publication and print editions provide comprehensive coverage of local news, events, business updates, lifestyle features, and local initiatives within its respective community.

Additionally, the newspaper has exclusive Miami community podcasts, providing listeners with an in-depth look into Miami’s culture. Whether you’re looking for local Miami news, or podcasts, Miami’s Community Newspapers has you covered. For more information, be sure to check out: https://communitynewspapers.com.

If you have any questions, feel free to email Michael@communitynewspapers.com or Grant@communitynewspapers.com

#thatscommunitynews #communitynewspapers #miamidade #miamidadecounty #thatscommunity #miamicommunitynews #coralgables #palmettobay #southmiami #doral #aventura #pinecrest #kendall #broward #biscaynebay


Connect To Your Customers & Grow Your Business

Click Here