Sending the kids back to school can be overwhelming and stressful, with the endless book lists, uniforms, and morning routines. However, packing a healthy lunch for your child doesn’t have to be hard…
We admit it can be a difficult balance to strike, with the increasingly well-marketed processed snacks and attempting to cater to the fussy eater, but there are some great recipes and simple ideas that are easy to prepare, delicious and nutritious for your growing children.
Your kids lunch box doesn’t have to be Pinterest-worthy, because let’s face it, not many of us have time to create an elaborate snack creation every day. So below we’ve listed some simple snack ideas that are easy to put together and will be well received by your little ones.
Fruit
It sounds so easy but can often be overlooked. Fresh, seasonal fruit is the perfect addition to any lunch box and can be changed depending on what is available at the time. Our Seasonal Fruit Box is a very popular option among parents as they contain enough produce to last the entire week. Our 2kg bags of Fankhauser apples are also a great option for kids as they’re snacks-sized Pink Lady’s and can last a few weeks.
Things like diced rockmelon, grapes, blueberries, strawberries, and mixed stone fruit are all a great source of vitamins and have that sweet taste that kids crave. You could also add a nut free butter for dipping (These can be purchased from the health food aisle if your school is nut free)
It’s also a good idea to either chop or slice the fruit into smaller pieces or get creative and shape them into balls or stars to keep the kids excited.
DIY Veggie Chips
Did you know that you can create your own veggie chips, without all the added preservatives that come with packaged foods?
This snack is sure to entice even the fussiest eater and can be made with different seasonal vegetables.
You can use either a Zucchini, Red beetroot, Carrot, Sweet Potato, or regular potatoes. Use a mandolin slicer to slice the veggies (or cut them as thin as you can) then pop a bit of Italian seasoning or salt on them and put them in your air fryer for around 15 minutes! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can always use a small amount of oil and either oven-bake or pan fry or your chips as well.
Broccoli Fritters
If you have a fussy eater that doesn’t like their greens, then these fritters are sure to change their mind! With the main ingredient being broccoli, this snack is packed full of Calcium and Iron and is a great source of fibre and protein. You could also add some grated carrot in as well! Check out the recipe here.
Broccoli & Cauliflower Salad
This colourful, crunchy salad is full of vegetables, but without being boring! It also includes the sweetness of apples and cherry tomatoes. Add a delicious healthy dressing to make it more appealing to your kids and you’re set. This recipe can be used as a lunch time meal or put just a small portion in as a snack.
Check out the recipe here
Carrot & Celery Sticks with Hummus
This is the snack that everybody loves, and it’s so easy to create! You can even add in vegetables like Capsicum or Cucumber if your children prefer that. This snack will ensure your kids get the benefits of the Vitamin A from the carrots and also some great plant based protein from the hummus.
You could even try making the hummus yourself, all you need are chickpeas, oil, lemon & garlic in a blender!
Zucchini & Sweet Potato Slice
This gluten and dairy free zucchini and sweet potato slice can be made in bulk so you’ve got enough or the whole week! This savoury slice is delicious whether it’s served hot or cold and has the added benefits of Vitamin A, C & D! Try the recipe here
Banana’s, Apples & “No Nut” Butter
Kids love apples and bananas by themselves, but why not add another high fibre-rich snack to the mix by creating some “No-Nut” butter to go with the fruit! Preheat your oven to 180 degrees and toast the below for 5 – 10 minutes:
- 1 ¼ cups unsalted sunflower seeds
- ¼ cup ground flaxseed, preferably golden
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
Then add to a food processor with the below and blend until smooth!
- ¼ cup sunflower or canola oil
- 1 tablespoon honey (our Gippsland Gold honey add-on is perfect for this)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Pumpkin Pie Energy Bites
These pumpkin balls are vegan, gluten free and require no baking! Your kids will never know they are eating a vegetable that’s rich in Vitamin A and this snack makes great use of a vegetable that’s rarely used in kids lunches!
You can find the recipe here
Let us know if you’ve got any other healthy recipes that your kids love for school, or click here to see our produce selection for this week.
Until next time, Farmbox Fam…