Back-to-school is the perfect time to refresh lunchbox habits. I’m on CBS Charlotte’s QC Life with four nutritious, kid-approved ideas plus simple, evidence-based tips to make packing meals fun, balanced, and stress-free. The key to keeping kids energized and focused is aiming to include all five food groups—veggies, fruit, grains, protein, and dairy.
The Rainbow Rule
Kids eat with their eyes first, and when food looks fun, they’re more likely to try it. This rainbow lunchbox covers all your food groups with a turkey and cheese roll-up for protein and whole grains, plus a colorful assortment of produce. To make it even more exciting, add Crispy Fruit by Crispy Green. These snacks are made from 100% pure fruit with no added sugar or preservatives. They’re mess-free, come in seven delicious flavors, and are sold in convenient grab-and-go four-packs. You can find them at Whole Foods Market, The Fresh Market, Lowes Foods, and Harris Teeter. Research shows that kids offered a wider variety of colorful fruits and vegetables are more likely to eat them—so the rainbow rule is a win for both nutrition and fun.
Breakfast-for-Lunch
Another creative idea is to reimagine breakfast at lunchtime. Try packing mini pumpkin pancakes with a nut or seed butter for dipping, paired with a pouch from Once Upon a Farm. Their organic cold-pressed, refrigerated pouches come in Fruit & Veggie Blends crafted with farm-fresh produce, Immunity Blends with added probiotics, and creamy dairy-free smoothies. These nutritious snacks are perfect for kids of all ages and families on the go. You can find them at onceuponafarm.com and get 40% off Back-to-School Essentials and Refrigerated Protein Bar Variety Packs using code GET40.
Dip It
Kids love foods they can dunk, and research shows that offering dips helps encourage consumption of positive food groups like fruits, veggies, and whole grains. A Yogurt Crunch Box is a great option—pack cucumber slices, Crispy Green strawberries, and a creamy yogurt dip. Round it out with a Once Upon a Farm fiber-rich Refrigerated Oat Bar made with organic ingredients or a Refrigerated Protein Bar made with fruits, veggies, whole grain oats, and no added sugar icing. These bars deliver eight grams of protein from organic milk and whey concentrate, making them a balanced, kid-friendly option.
DIY Pizza Kits
Finally, take a kid favorite—pizza—and give it a nutritious spin. Build your own DIY pizza kits with mini whole-wheat tortillas, cheese, colorful veggie toppings, pizza sauce, lean chicken for protein, and Crispy Green’s pineapple for a sweet twist. Research shows that when kids get hands-on with food—building, assembling, or serving themselves—they’re more likely to try new foods and develop positive eating habits.
