Now that the kiddos are headed back to school, many of us are in major need of some school lunch ideas. Here are some of my elementary schooler’s favorite lunches that are quick, easy, and healthy too!
Back to School Lunch Ideas
When it comes to packing lunches, I’m a huge fan of bento boxes.
They’re a great way to keep wet and dry foods separate (no soggy food here!) and also great for kids who don’t want all their foods to touch.
For my daughter’s lunches I love to use a LunchBots Cinco bento box (affiliate link) — they’re the BEST! I have three I alternate between. They wash up great in the dishwasher and fit perfectly in her lunch box.
Since we’re also allowed to pack a mid-day snack for the kiddos, I’ll use either a small snack-sized bento box or a reusable Stasher Bag (affiliate) which are also dishwasher safe and oh so easy to clean!
Let’s get our lunch on!
My daughter has a thing for black beans and cornbread. Feel free to swap in any protein of choice here or try it with a more classic pairing with a thermos of chili or soup.
This snacky combo has been on repeat a lot lately. I’ll alternate the bagel and cream cheese with a turkey and cheese sandwich and load up the bento box with whatever fruit and veggies we have on hand. Easy and always a hit!
Mac and cheese has been a recent lunch request from the kiddo so I’ll usually offer that up for lunch once a week. It’s a great way to use up leftover pasta from dinner and stays nice and hot in a little thermos.
I’ll often use our bento boxes to make little DIY Lunchables with cheese, crackers, fresh fruit, and snacky veggies like carrots or cucumber. It’s kind of like a kid-friendly charcuterie board. Feel free to add some protein to the mix too!
This one actually comes with it’s own handy dandy recipe!
My Veggie Cream Cheese Tortilla Roll-Ups are a must-make and can even be meal prepped in advance to make weekday mornings run oh so smoothly. Love them so!
Need a few more Easy Lunch Recipes to Pack for the Kiddos?
Veggie Hummus Tortilla Roll-Ups
If you get a chance to try any of these easy school lunch ideas, let me know!
Leave some love in the comment form below or tag your photos with @peasandcrayons on Instagram so I can happy dance over all your lovely lunch creations.
I can’t wait to see what you whip up!
I’ll be sure to hop back on during the school week to update this post with all the new lunches I make for my hungry hungry hippo, who is somehow starting 3rd grade this year. Gah! How did time fly so fast?!
See you soon! xoxo
