Tips for a Healthy Lunchbox

When packing kids lunches, remember that a healthy lunchbox contains foods from at least three food groups. Balanced lunches that include carbohydrate, protein and some fat provide children sustained energy for a few hours rather than a short burst of energy from a simple meal of only carbohydrates.

Foods like fruit, bread, crackers and juice provide carbohydrates; while milk, cheese, yogurt, lean meat and beans provide protein to balance kids’ meals. Fat is found in nuts, peanut butter, meat and some dairy foods. Providing children a balance and variety of these foods will ensure they are well-nourished and energized for learning.

Our printable Tips for a Healthy Lunchbox offers ideas for healthy foods to include in kids’ lunches.