Every parent wants their kids to have nutritious and delicious food, but getting kids to eat healthy can be a challenge. If you’re looking for a way to make lunch more appealing, the five ideas below aim for a well-balanced variety of foods and interesting presentations that can be adapted to different tastes and dietary needs.
Nut butter and fruit wraps
Update your PB&J game without the added sugar of jams or the carb count of sliced bread. Spread peanut butter on a whole wheat tortilla and add slices of your kid’s favorite fruit. Fold over and cut in half. Add variety by using different nut butters and fruits. Try cashew and sliced banana or peanut butter and sweet slices of strawberry.
Sandwich kebabs
The key to a great kebab is using fresh ingredients and layering like a pro. For this lunchtime treat, you’ll need to cut uniform slices of meat or tofu, cheese, bread and veggies like cucumbers and tomatoes. Starting with a slice of bread, pierce each piece through the center with a wooden skewer, repeating the same pattern of ingredients until the skewer is full.
For younger kids, you might want to skip the skewer and layer the sandwich ingredients inside a plastic container.
Make a scene
Presentation can transform everyday lunchtime ingredients into a whimsical surprise kids can look forward to each day. Think about what your kid likes most. Is it outer space? Animals? Maybe that sandwich becomes a rocket ship with stars made of carrots or the same ingredients come together to make animal faces.
When you’re starting out, keep it simple. Use cookie cutters to make shapes like sandwich stars and veggie hearts.
Better boxed lunch
Bento boxes have become popular in the U.S. in recent years because they’re reusable and help with portion control. The individual compartments can help parents add variety with spaces for meat rolls, veggies, hummus, yogurt, fruits and more. An added bonus for some picky kids, the individual compartments in bento boxes keep ingredients separate until they are ready to be eaten.
Pasta and veggie bake
Make use of pasta leftovers with an easy dish baked right in a muffin tin that will help kids get all the veggies they need. Place leftover sauced pasta in a bowl. Cook more if necessary. Mix in finely chopped vegetables like broccoli, spinach or mushrooms. Add an egg or two, based on the amount of pasta you’re working with. Now fill a muffin tin with the pasta mixture, top with mozzarella cheese and bake at 375 degrees for about 20 minutes.
This article is published as part of the ֱ Kids of Character program sponsored by which recognizes kids and staff in South Florida public schools who exhibit the character traits of responsibility, kindness and cooperation. The honorees are recognized at an annual awards ceremony. Visit to find a store near you, discover delicious recipes and learn more about how they support local community programs.
– Jessica Chesler for