Back-to-school is a time to start fresh – and that includes rethinking kids’ lunchtime routines. With childhood obesity affecting nearly one in five children in the U.S., you may be concerned about keeping your young ones at a healthy weight. “Packing their school lunches is a great way to keep their nutrition on track,” says Christopher Raab, MD, with LVPG Pediatrics–Easton.

As you’re filling their lunch box, aim for veggies and fruits to make up half of the meal. For the rest, use whole grains and proteins such as lean poultry or beef, seafood, eggs, nuts, seeds, beans, and tofu or other soy products.

The pediatric experts at Lehigh Valley Reilly Children's Hospital offer this advice to help parents and caregivers teach the importance of good nutrition for kids of all ages.

Try these tasty treats and tricks in your child’s lunch:

Once you have lunch ready, make sure it’s packed properly. “When lunches with perishable food aren’t kept cold enough, harmful bacteria can multiply quickly,” Raab says.

These tips will help keep your little one’s lunch at the right temperature:

2401 Northampton Street Suite 210 Easton , PA 18045-2764 United States

2401 Northampton Street Suite 210 Easton , PA 18045-2764 United States

©2022 Lehigh Valley Health Network

This website uses cookies to better understand how visitors use our site and to offer you a more personal experience. See our Policy Notice for more information. You can manage how cookies are used by clicking the “Cookie Settings” button.