As the back-to-school energy kicks in, so does that overwhelming, looming question in most parents minds: What should I pack for school lunches?

This not only brings about the task of grocery shopping, making a lunch menu calendar for the week (hopefully if you have time to plan) and ensuring you’re packing a healthy lunch your kids will actually eat. Nothing is worse than finding out your labor of love has been thrown in the trash or comes home half eaten, wasting food, time and money. 

This year, Nino’s is hopping on the  "5-Part Lunchbox Formula" internet trend to help you keep things easy, balanced, and fun for this year's school lunches. This trend not only makes it simple for you to think about how to pack a lunch box, but assists in getting your kids a balance of protein, healthy fats, carbohydrates, fruits, veggies and nutrients in their lunch. 

1. Pack in the Protein for School Lunches. Protein will provide energy as well as make sure your kids feel full and satisfied for a longer period of time. Here are some of our suggestions for protein based lunch foods.

• Grilled chicken strips
• Hard-boiled eggs
• Hummus or bean spreads 
• Turkey, sliced chicken breast, ham and cheese roll-ups
• Tuna, chicken or  egg salad (in a container or sandwich)
• Edamame
• Cheese slices or string cheese
• Lower sugar Greek yogurt
• Protein bars 

Need more ideas for packing in the protein? Check out our Nino’s blog article “Gain The Power of Protein Beyond The Traditional Meats” 

2. Whole Grains. This year, focus on giving your kids whole grains in their lunchbox rather than white bread products and try to boost the fiber in their lunch. This will provide sustained energy that will keep your kids fuller longer throughout the day. 

• Whole wheat sandwich/bread
• Sprouted grain bread or bread products 
• Brown rice or quinoa salad
• Whole grain crackers and chips
• Whole wheat Pita pockets
• Whole grain pasta 
• Whole wheat or whole grain Tortilla wraps

Need more ideas for filling your lunchbox with fiber? Check out our Nino’s blog article “Filling Your Cart and Plate with Fiber”.

3. Fruits. Skip the added sugars found in yogurts, cookies, candies and more and fill your child’s lunchbox with natural sugar found in fruit. Not only will this give your child energy but it will also provide a boost of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants for all school lunches that you prepare. 

• Apple slices (with lemon juice to prevent browning)
• Berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
• Orange segments or mandarin oranges, clementines 
• Banana
• Grapes (cut for younger kids)
• Watermelon 
• Peaches, Pears, Nectarines 
• Sliced kiwi 
• Cantaloupe 
• Dried fruit (in moderation): apricots, figs, dates, raisins, cherries

4. Vegetables. We can’t forget veggies especially in the lunch box! Make sure to keep your child's lunchbox by incorporating different colored fruits and veggies each day. You can also make their veggies interesting by pairing them with fun dips such as Greek yogurt dips, cream cheese,  hummus, bean dips, nut or seed butters (if your school allows nuts), guacamole and more. 

• Baby carrots
• Cucumber slices
• Bell pepper strips, red/yellow/green peppers 
• Cherry tomatoes
• Celery sticks
• Snap peas
• Red radishes 
• Kale chips 
• Baked sweet potato slices or rounds

Looking for creative ways to ensure your kids get a variety of different color fruits and veggies each week? Check out our Nino’s blog article, “Somewhere Over The Veggie Rainbow” as you are getting your grocery shopping list ready before hitting our aisles! 

5. Fun or Healthy Treat. We know that this part of the 5 part formula is optional but appreciated by most kids. Who doesn't love a healthy treat or snack in your lunchbox? Here are some ideas for fun and healthy treats to stash in your kids lunch that will make them smile both inside and out. 

• Homemade energy bites or granola bars
• Dark chocolate squares
• Popcorn
• Fruit leather (100% fruit)
• Trail mix

For more ideas on fun snacks and treats to pack in lunches, check out our Nino’s blog post, “From Lunchbox to Locker Break: Smart Snacks That Last” 

Pro Tips For Packing Lunches This Year 

• Use an ice pack or insulated lunchbox to keep items fresh.
• Prep ahead the night before to avoid the morning rush.
• Set up a lunchbox packing station in your kitchen to have everything you need ready to go
• Get creative with your lunchbox. Use a fun bento box or character design on your child’s lunchbox to keep things fun and interesting for them.
• Using plastic baggies or recyclable containers? Let your child decorate them with fun stickers to involve them in their lunch packing process. It’s a fun activity and can help to provide education on filling them with healthy foods.
• Mix and match food selections to keep things interesting all week!
• Be sure to find out the food allergy guidelines at your child’s school before the school year starts. For more info, check out our Nino’s blog post “Food Allergy Awareness” 

We look forward to helping you with all of your lunchbox planning needs here at Nino Salvaggio. Regardless of which part of the 5-Part Lunchbox Formula you are looking for in our stores, our team is standing by to help make your back-to-school transition as easy as possible!

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