How To Ensure Your Child Eats Their Packed Lunch

One of a parent's biggest concerns is making sure their child will actually eat the packed lunch. We spend so much time and energy picking the perfect-looking lunch in the perfect lunch box only to find at the end of the day that their child did not touch any of it.

So, how do you get your child to eat at school?

First, let's look at what your child eats at home typically. If your child eats a sandwich at home, let's replicate their favorite meals into packable versions. Also, consider the container. Have your child help pick out the lunch box or container they would like to have their food in. Sometimes ones with separations make it easier so the foods do not mix. You can cut their sandwiches into fun shapes with cookie cutters to make them more appetizing. You can pack string cheese, sliced vegetables, and fruits in containers and place a frozen ice pack to help keep everything cold.

To help your child prepare for school lunches, list all the foods they like. You can organize it by fruits, vegetables, proteins, and starches and mix and match to keep the menu new each day

For Example:

Protein:

• Sliced turkey

• Chicken

• Deli Meat

• Cheese Cubes or Cheese Sticks

• Mixed Seeds

• Plain Yogurt

• Hummus

• Hard-Boiled Eggs

Grains:

• Low-Fat Granola

• Crackers

• Pita Bread or Chips

• Granola Bar

• Bread

Fruit:

• Grapes

• Blueberries

• Sliced Strawberries

• Peeled Clementines

• Banana

Vegetables:

• Baby Carrots

• Sliced Celery

• Sliced Cucumber

• Snap Peas

• Sliced Peppers

With picky eaters, presentation is key. Sending a whole apple is not as much fun as sending an apple cut into slices or carrot sticks versus a carrot.

Making fun wraps, hero sandwiches and dips are great ways to help keep your child interested in what you pack them for lunch.

Prior to school starting, you can take your child on a picnic. Have them prepare their lunch box, and even yours. Go to a local park and have your child practice eating in front of others. This will help them get used to using their lunch box and eating in public.

Have your child take part in picking out items from their lunchbox to foods they want to take with them to school. Having them be a part of the decision-making process will make them more likely to eat at school.

Wishing every parent lots of luck for this back-to-school season!