Skip to main content
Get Care MyChart Find a Provider Find a Location
6 tips for packing your kids lunch

Six tips for packing a kid-friendly and well-balanced lunch

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.

Related articles

Classic greek salad with fresh garden vegetables.

Greek salad recipe

A refreshing and flavorful salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, olives and feta cheese.

Recipe: Sparkling strawberry mint mocktail

As the weather heats up, it’s important to drink enough water and avoid dehydration—some signs of which include muscle cramps, dizziness or fatigue. Here's a delicious recipe for staying hydrated!
square-of-chocolate-cherry-baked-oatmeal-on-plate

Chocolate cherry baked oatmeal recipe

Makes 6 servings Ingredients 2 cups old fashioned oats 1 tsp. baking powder ¼ cup light brown sugar 2 Tbsp. cocoa powder ¼ tsp. salt 2 cups fresh or frozen
fresh ideas for fruit

Fresh ideas for fruit

Traditionally fruit is eaten plain or doused in sugar and butter and served as a dessert; however, fruit can be used in a wide range of recipes.

1900 South Ave.
La Crosse, WI 54601

(608) 782-7300

Language Support:
Jump back to top