Healthy Lunchboxes, Happy Kids

Aug 23, 2021


Trying to get the kids ready for school on chaotic mornings often leads to lunchbox meals that are quickly thrown together and fall short nutritionally. According to a Griffith University study, more than 70 percent of school lunches contain no vegetables at all!
Our children deserve to have a healthy, balanced meal that will fuel their bodies throughout the day, and we can help accomplish this by spending a few extra minutes meal prepping each week. Whether you grow your own garden or get your produce from a local farmers’ market, make sure to include fresh fruits and vegetables in each meal you send to school with your kids.
Here are five fun and healthy meal and snack ideas to include in your child’s lunchbox:
 
Vegetable waffles
            Shredded sweet potato, carrot, zucchini, or squash can be cooked to crispy perfection in a waffle iron. Just mix your vegetables together, add a little salt and pepper, and lightly butter each side of the iron for a yummy vegetable fritter in disguise!
 
Fruit or sandwich kabobs
 Thread grapes, pineapple chunks, blueberries, and strawberries through a skewer for a delicious fruit kabob, or try using an assortment of tomatoes, cheese, meats, and greens for a fun twist on a deli sandwich!
 
Fruit yogurt parfaits
            Add a boost of flavor to your kid’s yogurt cup by mixing ½ cup of your kid’s favorite fruit and a ¼ cup of granola into 1 cup of low-fat yogurt.
 
Soups
            Soups are a great way to pump up the “vegetable factor” in your lunchbox, and there are plenty of insulated food containers on the market that make it easy to serve soup at school. Click here for 10 easy, vegetable soup recipes for your picky eater!
 
Healthy muffins
            Using whole grains, fruit, or shredded veggies in your muffins is a great way to get your kid to eat healthier without them even realizing it! Try this Blueberry Oatmeal Muffin or Fruit and Veggie Muffin recipe to include in your kid’s next meal.
 
One last piece of advice: if you let your kids help you in the garden, they will likely be more willing to eat what they have grown! It is never too early to get your kids involved in producing their own food; plus, it will give them a greater appreciation for where their meals come from.
For more content like this, check out the latest issue of The Cooperator

Read More News

Mar 31, 2025
As we welcome the spring gardening season, it's the perfect time to also kick off a little spring cleaning! Why not combine the two and give your garden tools the care they deserve before they're put to work? It can be easy to toss your tools in the shed and forget about them, but with proper maintenance, these tools can be a long-lasting investment.
 
Mar 24, 2025
As spring settles in across Tennessee, it’s time to start planting potatoes. Whether you’re growing for the market or your own table, potatoes are a rewarding crop that thrives in our region’s cool spring weather. With a little preparation and the right approach, you’ll be well on your way to a bountiful harvest.
 
Mar 17, 2025
As the days get longer, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and tackle those crucial spring chores on the farm. From tending to crops and livestock to sprucing up your property, a little prep now can make a huge difference for the busy season ahead. Whether you're managing acres of farmland or just maintaining your homestead, this spring checklist will help ensure you're set up for success.