Can you believe it’s time to start packing school lunches again? I got a head start by sitting down with my kids and creating a weekly meal plan full of kid-friendly school lunch ideas. The kids not only helped plan the menu but came grocery shopping with me at Smith’s, finding everything on our list and more.
Teaching children how to make healthy choices at the grocery store pays off. My kids are more excited to eat fruits, vegetables, and other items they select themselves. Horizon Organic milk boxes are a special treat they love taking to school, and the Horizon Organic graham crackers are a favorite snack.
Mornings during the school year are often hectic in our house. One way I simplify routines is by washing and prepping fresh fruits and vegetables ahead of time—sometimes I prep a week’s worth at once. Having produce ready makes mornings smoother and one less thing to worry about.
The lunch ideas below are based on the fruits, vegetables, and foods my kids enjoy. Even my picky eater approves of everything on this menu!
A Week’s Worth of School Lunch Ideas for Kids:
School Lunch Idea: Build-a-Hawaiian Pizza
You’ll need:
- Pita bread, cut into triangles (or flatbread or bagel halves)
- Pizza sauce (packed separately in a leakproof container)
- Diced pineapple
- Canadian bacon or sliced deli ham
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
Kids can assemble their own pizza slices by adding sauce, pineapple, ham, and cheese to the bread. My youngest prefers to dip instead of assembling; he dips pieces into the pizza sauce and enjoys them that way. Either way works well—just be sure to pack the sauce in a leakproof container.
School Lunch Idea: Turkey and Cheese Roll-ups
You’ll need:
- Sliced deli turkey
- Cheese sticks or slices
Place a slice of cheese on a slice of turkey and roll it up for an easy protein-packed option. Serve with pretzels, baby dill pickles, and grapes for a balanced tray.
Yogurt is a reliable favorite in our house. Simple add-ins—strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and bite-size Horizon Organic graham crackers—turn plain yogurt into a lunchtime hit.
School Lunch Idea: Berry Yogurt Parfait
You’ll need:
- Vanilla yogurt
- Horizon Organic graham crackers (bite-size)
- Sliced strawberries
- Blueberries
Pack the yogurt, berries, and graham crackers separately so kids can build their own parfaits by stirring everything together. Pack the yogurt in a leakproof container and remember to send a spoon.
School Lunch Idea: BBQ Chicken Dippers
You’ll need:
- Grilled chicken breast, diced
- BBQ sauce (packed separately)
- Toothpicks for skewering
Skewer diced chicken pieces on toothpicks so kids can dip them into BBQ sauce. Pair with orange slices, celery sticks, and baby carrots for a complete meal.
School Lunch Idea: Hummus Dippers
You’ll need:
- Pita bread cut into strips
- Hummus
- Celery sticks
- Baby carrots
Let kids dip pita strips and their favorite sliced veggies into hummus for a nutritious, crunchy option. Single-serving hummus containers make packing simple and mess-free.
What’s on your school lunch menu this week? Tell us which of these kid-approved lunch ideas is your favorite.
This post reflects my personal experience and opinions about planning kid-friendly school lunches.