Back to School Lunch Ideas

Live
Aug 30, 2018
School is back in session which means moms and dads are back on school lunch duty. Although a peanut butter and jelly sandwich is always a classic, sometimes it doesn’t always make the cut in the “impress your kids” department. That’s why we put together a list of easy, must-have school lunches that are sure to keep your kids satisfied and your “cool parent” points high.

Essentials

The most important thing to remember when packing your kids’ lunches is to include some kind of protein to help them stay full and focused during their school day. Though carrot and celery sticks may not be their snack of choice, fruits and vegetables are essential to sustaining a kids’ diet. Use these unique recipes to not only win your kids over, but also to provide them with a well-balanced meal that will help them perform at school.

Recipes

Cowboy Pasta Salad

No more horsing around, this pasta salad has all the ingredients to make your kids giddy (up) and full. Tossed with beef, corn, beans, tomatoes, onions and shredded cheese, this pasta can easily pass for a school night dinner and packaged for school lunch the next day.

Bread Sushi Rolls

Sushi isn’t always a crowd pleaser at the kids’ table, however, these bread sushi rolls are sure to win over even your pickiest eater. Rolled with whole grain bread, fresh deli meat or tuna fish and chopped veggies, these rolls make for the perfect school lunch or a filling after-school snack.

Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

No need to plan dinner and lunch, these meatball poppers are the perfect double-duty meal that take less than 30 minutes to make. Serve them hot for dinner with fresh marinara sauce and use them the next day to make a hearty meatball sub for your kids’ lunches.

PB+J Burritos

Put a spin on a classic lunch and try out this PB+J Burrito. Switch out the bread for a warm tortilla and add bananas, and you have a new PB+J favorite that your kids will love.  

Chinese Chicken Salad

This salad is a great way to help fill your kids’ diets with some extra greens. Shred up a store-bought rotisserie chicken for protein and toss in crushed ramen for some added crunch and a salad that your kids will actually enjoy.

 

School lunch duty isn’t always glamorous, but having a healthy lifestyle is worth it. Continue to take care of your family by making sure that you have appropriate health care coverage. If you’re not currently enrolled in health insurance, we can help. Certain qualifying life events (QLE) may make you eligible for a special enrollment period. QLE’s are life-changing events such as job loss, income change, marriage/divorce and birth/adoption of a child to name a few. Nevada Health Link can connect contact a certified broker or navigator to see if you qualify for special enrollment. 

Learn about affordable health care options by visiting www.nevadahealthlink.com or by talking to an in-person assister.