Kid-Friendly Lunchbox Creations (Fx-Approved!)

Are you searching for ideas on what to pack your children for lunch? Heinen’s Wellness Consultants Mary Alice Grassa and Deb Piper have you covered with Fx-approved lunchbox creations categorized by age group. To reduce boredom, feel free to mix and match any of the items below!

Elementary School Lunchbox Ideas

Recipes that offer variations and swaps to inspire creativity are popular with this age group. Keep in mind they tend to fall short in vegetable and fruit consumption and respond best with greater control over lunch content.

• Two Brothers sandwich: Dave’s Killer whole wheat bread + Two Brothers turkey + Vigeo microgreens + cucumber slices

Sides: Jicama slices; RX nut butter pack + apple slices; Mamma Chia Squeeze pouch

• Banana sushi: banana covered in nut butter or sunflower butter, sprinkled with Nutiva Hemp seeds, sliced into coins and frozen. Come lunch time it should be soft enough to eat!
  Sides: celery sticks or veggie of choice + hummus; Chobani less sugar yogurt cup; SeaSnax
• AB & J: Ozery whole grain thin bun + Heinen’s almond butter + Stonewall Kitchen jam

Sides: Dole no sugar added fruit cups; Plant Snacks cassava chips; Rx Kids Protein Snack Bar

Middle School Lunchbox Ideas

Bone development and growth occurs the fastest during these years in both males and females. Leafy greens and low sugar plant-based dairy products offer beneficial nutrients to support healthy bones.

• Pasta salad made with Banza chickpea pasta (make night before)
  Sides: Siggi’s Plant-based Coconut Blend yogurt + 1 teaspoon chia seeds + fresh raspberries mixed in; Barnana Plantain chips; low sugar KIND bar
• Veggie wrap: Angelic Bakehouse whole grain wrap + hummus + spinach + broccoli sprouts + matchstick carrots + slivered peppers
  Sides: Kid-Friendly Trail Mix; Bare crunchy fruit chips; Heinen’s organic string cheese
• Lettuce cups: Bibb lettuce + chopped chicken + Bragg salad dressing

Sides: Go Raw sprouted snacks; clementine; Larabar

High School Lunchbox Ideas

It’s best to include consistent and positive nutrition messages with teens. Remember, they are practically independent in their food choices! Peer influence and easy access to sugar-sweetened beverages and fast food impact eating patterns, especially for young women.

• 2 hard-boiled eggs + Soozy’s muffin

Sides: baby carrots with a Wholly Guacamole mini cup; fresh strawberries; Brad’s Kale Chips

• Make-Ahead Yogurt Parfait

Sides: edamame + celery sticks + cherry tomatoes; Biena Chickpea Snacks; Kate’s Real Food Bar

• Crackers and cheese: Angelic Bakehouse Snack Crisps + Heinen’s cheddar cheese cubes

Sides: Sugar snap peas; grapes (try the new Cotton candy hybrid flavor); Over Easy nutrition bar

Healthy Beverages

Of course we can’t forget to pack a healthy drink to quench their thirst! The key here is to make sure it’s free of added sugars. For example:

• Bottled water
• Health Junkie elderberry syrup mixed with club soda
• LaCroix sparkling water
• Hint fruit-infused bottled water
• Garden of Flavor fresh pressed fruit and vegetable juices

Food for Thought …

Heinen’s is always bringing in new items. Visit your local Heinen’s Wellness Consultant on a regular basis to discover what’s new and healthy!