Easy and Healthy Lunch Ideas for School

Jul 26, 2023

CCNS health and medical content is consumer-friendly, professional broadcast quality (available in HD), and available to media outlets each day.

Text Only

Video

Audio

Additional Assets

*Email us for video download password Content is property of Cleveland Clinic and for news media use only.

Cleveland Clinic News Service

216.444.0141

We're available to shoot custom interviews & b-roll for media outlets upon request.

CLEVELAND – The new school year has finally arrived, and you know what that means — time for parents to start packing lunches again.

And while it’s tempting to quickly throw together a peanut butter and jelly sandwich every day, it’s important kids are eating a balanced diet.

“The biggest thing is we want to make lunches that A, the kids are going to eat and B, are going to stick with them and help fuel them throughout the day,” said Jennifer Hyland, RD, registered dietitian for Cleveland Clinic Children’s. “So, my biggest tip for parents is to try to pick something from each of the food groups.”

Hyland said a healthy lunch should include a good protein, grains (preferably whole grains), fruits and veggies, dairy, or a healthy fat.

So, what are some examples?

She said you could make a simple deli sandwich or wrap, pasta salad, and even pack leftovers from dinner.

Another option is putting together a “snack box” which includes deli meat, cheese, crackers, a crunchy veggie, and a fun snack your child can choose.

For younger kids, you should also make sure whatever you’re packing is easy to open or eat.

Hyland says kids don’t get a lot of time at lunch these days.

“The more that we can have things unwrapped, ready to go, smaller things — especially for little kids.” She said. “You could even use fun food picks to stick in their food and they can eat with that, and it can be quicker, and it can be easier for them.”

She adds it’s also okay to pack snacks like chips and cookies once in a while, but make sure to have the nutrient dense foods too.

For Journalists Only

Sign up below to be added to our Daily Health Stories distribution list.

We'll personally contact you soon for confirmation.

For more information on medical conditions and diseases, visit our Health Library.