By Brigitte Weymiller, CD, CDE, RD, Gundersen Nutrition Therapy

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August is "Kids Eat Right" month and school is just around the corner. If you are packing a lunch for your kids, follow these tips for packing a nutritious lunch that your kids will eat!

1. Let your child help. Let them pick out a fruit or vegetable at the grocery store that they want to try. You can also ask your child to help make or pack their lunch.
2. Make it fun. Give a fruit or veggie a fun nickname or shape. Consumption of fruits and vegetables improve with a fun name attached, for example "x-ray vision carrots" or “power tree broccoli”. Let your kids come up with fun nicknames. 
3. Finger foods. Finger foods break the meal down into manageable pieces. Fruits are far less likely to be wasted if they are cut up and ready to eat. 
4. Dips. Dips contain fats, which can help your child absorb vitamins from the vegetables they are eating. Kids (and adults) are also more likely to eats vegetables when paired with a dip, compared to eating vegetables plain.
5. Pack when you have time. Portion out items like fruits, vegetables and crackers into baggies and store until needed. 
6. Balance. Include three to five foods groups, with at least one fruit or vegetable, to make a balanced meal. Remember to include a beverage such as water, milk or 100% juice.