Kids are picky. We know it. One day they love eating broccoli and applesauce and the next week they only eat green apples cut into specific shapes and gag at the thought of eating applesauce (only after you’ve stocked up on your supply of applesauce of course). Here at Pine Village, we feel your pain – we are also parents who try to pack healthy lunches that our children will eat! And, believe me, we are not advocating for those Pinterest-style lunches that take forever to prep.
One way to approach your lunch-planning? Combine a main course, fruit and/or veggie and a snack/treat in there. Or try something entirely different: combine a salty, a sweet, a smooth, and a crunchy. Ensure there is enough protein to help get them through the day and also make sure that they have enough calcium, whether through their milk or snacks.
Use this list to create a combination of lunches that you can always add or subtract from, depending on how much your child eats during the day. Pair with milk, water or a juice box and you’re covered!
Pine Village Preschool does not provide food on-site. We ask that families send in all meals and snacks for their child. Please also keep in mind that all of our schools are nut-safe. Reach out to us directly if you have any further questions.
Mains:
- Quesadillas
- “Breakfast for lunch”: such as Bagel with cream cheese, mini pancakes, French Toast Sticks, waffles, oatmeal, yogurt parfait
- Hard Boiled Eggs
- Deli meat/cheese Roll-ups
- Hummus and pretzels or veggies (cut up in age-appropriate ways to avoid choking hazards)
- Pasta: with marinara sauce or butter and cheese, or meatballs
- Fish Sticks
- Rice/Chicken (or variety)
- Plate of Snacks (Cheese, Crackers & Pepperoni)
- Quiche
- Sandwiches: Sunbutter and jelly, cream cheese and jelly, hummus and veggie
Fruit/Veggies:
- Cucumbers
- Clementines
- Applesauce
- Grapes
- Blueberries
- Celery (add cream cheese/sun butter)
- Pickles
- Strawberries
- Raspberries
- Pea Pods/Green Beans
- Peas
- Corn
- Apples
- Orange Slices
- Fruit cups
- Peppers
- Sweet Potatoes
- Kiwi
Snacks/Treats:
- Cheese Stick/Baybel Cheese
- Raisins
- Homemade Muffin (so many healthy options)
- Pretzels
- Yogurt
- Cottage Cheese
- Cheese/Crackers
- Veggie Sticks
- Smoothie
More ideas:
- https://www.thekitchn.com/lunch-box-ideas-for-young-kids-260391
- https://www.momables.com/preschool-lunch-ideas-for-picky-eaters/
- https://www.yummytoddlerfood.com/advice/toddler-lunch-ideas-for-daycare/
- https://www.whattoexpect.com/toddler/photo-gallery/healthy-lunch-box-ideas-for-preschoolers.aspx
Overall, we find that a bento style box where kids have options to pick and choose what they want to eat, works well!
What else would you add to this list?