Back To School Lunches

Back to School Lunches! It’s that time of the year again! Let me help you take the guess work out of packing lunch for your kids. Here are some great options for packing a healthy lunch for your child.

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by The Quaker Oats Company, but all opinions are my own.

At what age did you throw in the towel and give your kids lunch money and call it a day? I shouldn’t say throw in the towel because for us. . this is how it went down: Phoebe, my oldest, doesn’t like sandwiches. So, starting in the 4th grade, was very particular about what she wanted for lunch. We would rotate between 2 or 3 things and finally one day, she asked me if she could buy the hot lunches at school. I thought about it and ended with this: she’s a good kid and can make smart lunch choices and she eats what we have for breakfast and dinner. For us, it was kind of an independence thing. Phoebe got to choose her lunch from the school menu and was happy about that. Fast forward to now, she’ll be starting 9th grade – oh my goodness, I have a high schooler – so unless, she wants something special; she loves soup in the fall and winter, I pretty much know I’m only packing lunch for Madeline.

For some, this time of the year is great because you get to break out those fun lunchbox containers, your cookie cutter shapes and the little handwritten notes. For others, it’s a dreadful time of the year because your child is a picky eater and you don’t know what to pack. Either way, I’m here to help, or in the very least provide some lunchbox inspiration.

My Lunchbox Tips

I do try to keep it fun, colorful and healthy, as much as possible. I really believe kids eat with their eyes so I love adding color! Apples, cucumbers, grapes and carrots are great options! They also provide the crunch and texture that some kids love. For me, it’s all about balance. I love adding in a fun treat! Whether its a cookie, or a fun granola bar, I love adding something festive in Madeline’s lunch.

I added Quaker ’s Chewy Mini Dipps in their Birthday Blast flavor! With 11g of whole grains per serving and other delicious ingredients, Quaker’s Chewy Mini Dipps are a great on-the-go snack option no matter the occasion! Be sure to look out for these delicious bars online or at a grocery store near you!