10 healthy school lunch ideas

This lunch combines two of kids’ loves: waffles and bacon for one surprising sandwich. When packing, place pieces of waxed paper or foil between all layers to keep them fresh and wrap sandwich in parchment. Pack mayo separately in its own mini squirt bottle. Before eating, remove waxed paper or foil and squirt mayo onto waffle. Get the recipe: BLT Waffle-Wich>

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Bet you didn’t know how easy it is to make your own fruit leather. With only four simple ingredients, this one is more nutritious and super fun to pack.

Get the recipe: Blueberry-Apple Fruit Leather>

One of the easiest lunches you can pack, this alphabet pasta will fill them up good. Make it the night before and simply reheat for the Thermos. We love the sneaky addition of veggies, too.

Get the recipe: Homemade Alphabet Pasta>

At a loss for a healthy, portable snack? These sunflower seed bars use only five ingredients and need only 10-minutes of hands-on time.

Get the recipe: Fruit and Sunflower Seed Bars>

These crunchy snacking crackers are made with cheddar and Parmesan—a brilliant reward for a job well done!

Get the recipe: Cheesy Gold Star Crackers>

A warm Thermos lunch is as comforting as it gets—especially when there are mini meatballs and saucy rice inside. Get the recipe: Sweet-and-Sour Meatballs on Rice>

This protein-packed smoothie is a surefire way to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.

Get the recipe: High-Protein Smoothie>

Popcorn is a whole grain (though, you don’t have to tell your kids). This salty-sweet-spicy kettle corn will have them begging for it all week.

Get the recipe: Cinnamon Toast Kettle Corn>

A new spin on ham and cheese, these yummy pinwheels have lunch all rolled up. Because these buns are perfect at room temperature, make them in the morning and wrap tightly in foil for the lunch box.

Get the recipe: Ham-and-Cheese Pinwheels>

Kids won't eat traditional salad? Try skewering thinly sliced cucumbers, shreds of lettuce and juicy cherry tomatoes for a fun kebab that your little one will love dunking in their favourite dressing.