How to Pack a Child's Lunch

The hectic morning rush becomes more complicated when you need to pack your child a cold lunch. Planning ahead helps you take charge of the brown bag routine and creates a lunch your child will actually eat. Even though it takes extra time, sending a lunch with your child gives you control of what he eats. You can provide a healthy, balanced meal and often save money over the school lunches. With a little prep work, you can send your child on his way with a healthy and safe lunch.

Things You'll Need

  • Lunchbox
  • Soap
  • Drink
  • Main dish
  • Sides
  • Ice pack
  • Napkins
  • Utensils

Instructions

    • 1

      Clean all work surfaces in the kitchen to reduce the risk of contamination to your child's lunch. Clean out her lunchbox and any reusable components before filling them with food. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics suggests using warm, soapy water to clean out the box.

    • 2

      Gather the supplies you need for the lunch. Use an insulated lunchbox to help keep the food cold to reduce the risk of food poisoning. Choose reusable containers to reduce waste.

    • 3

      Place a healthy drink in the bottom of the lunchbox so it doesn't smash the food. Healthy drink options include water, 100 percent fruit juice or low-fat milk. Chill the beverage ahead of time so it helps keep the rest of the meal cool until lunchtime. Use a thermos-style container to keep the drink cold.

    • 4

      Prepare a healthy main dish for the brown bag lunch that provides nutrients and energy for your child. Lean protein, such as turkey, tuna or a hard-boiled egg, is a solid choice, according to the UC Davis Health System. Try a turkey wrap in a whole-wheat tortilla or a tuna sandwich.

    • 5

      Pack sides from different food groups to balance the meal. Offer three or four sides to give your child variety in his lunchbox. Include low-fat dairy, such as string cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese or milk. Add fresh fruit for a healthy sweet side. Veggies, such as carrot slices, pepper strips or cherry tomatoes, add color and nutrition to the lunch. Add fiber with cold pasta, rice, bagels or crackers.

    • 6

      Insert an ice pack to keep the perishable foods chilled. Placing the lunchbox and food selections in the refrigerator overnight also helps keep everything cool.

    • 7

      Add extras your child needs, such as napkins and utensils. If he can use utensils from the school lunchroom, choose that option so your silverware doesn't end up in the trash.

    • 8

      Place a short note or joke in your child's lunchbox for a personal touch.

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