Back to School: 5 No-Fail Lunchbox Tips

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA — Last year, I had an epiphany while my youngest was doing her fifth grade homework. Upon emptying her backpack, I discovered a wrapper in her lunch bag that I didn't send. When asked where she got it, she replied: "Oh, the center of the table. That's where everything goes that no one wants."

The idea of elementary school children trading the healthy snacks mom sends for a community pot of edibles was both worrisome and interesting to me.

The question arose: How do I make sure my child is eating healthy at lunch? But more to the point, what can I send along that will inspire them to eat what's in their lunch box?

Like any mom worth her salt, I hit Pinterest for ideas along with my go-to motherhood guide — my Facebook Mom's Club Group. Unfortunately for me, I've raised finicky eaters, and while your little one might love sushi or last night's leftovers presented in a unique way, my children will dump those delectables straight in the trash.

There are moms all over the internet with so many ideas for what to send for lunch and how to send it that you can picture me, deer in the headlights, continuing to create unique cutouts of PBJs and keeping my fingers crossed they gets eaten. Of all the ideas I scrolled through and tossed, there was one I could keep.

Think of packing school lunch in terms of categories. Main course. Salty. Sweet. Keep to the food groups. I can do that. That makes it easy.

This year, I maintain that I will discover what works best for my family, and here's what works for my finicky eaters:

1. Something Sandwich-y

A cut-out sandwich, crust cut off with my handy Pampered Chef Sandwich Press, is always a standby, but there are other ways to mix it up at lunch time.

Nutella wraps are always a favorite in a pinch. Add potassium by placing a banana in the center of a Nutella- smothered tortilla. Roll, then slice into pinwheels or leave whole, wrapped in a paper towel and cellophane for an amazing, yummy sandwich alternative.

Try a unique take on a sandwich with the "apple-wich" with thick slices of cored apple sandwiched with a layer of peanut butter. Note: A little lemon juice rubbed on the apple will keep it from turning brown by lunchtime. Still crunchy, and loaded with protein, for when sandwiches are passe.

Other ways to spice up the sandwich at lunchtime: Use King's Hawaiian Rolls, naan flatbread or pita bread as alternatives to the ho-hum white bread sandwich.

2. Something Salty

Kids always love goldfish crackers no matter how old they are. Pair with cheddar cheese chunks and a lunch meat for a "make your own lunchable!"

Other treats loaded with protein or fiber include freshly toasted, seasoned pumpkin seeds (sweet or savory) around Halloween time! Other salty goodies are almonds, popcorn or even a pickle. Mix it up by filling little muffin liners with treats inside your bento box or separated lunch container, and top with a secured lid to ensure that these items will stay each to its own compartment.

3. Something Sweet

Who doesn't need a sweet treat to get them through the day? Fruit is in the eye of the beholder, and carrots or tomato slices can be just as sweet on the palate and delicious for snacking as grapes and strawberries.

Think beyond just cookies when adding sweet treats to your child's lunch and remember nature's candy!

Raisins, dried cherries, Craisins or other dried fruit can hit that sweet spot your little one is looking for at lunchtime.

TIP: Make a savory and sweet snack mix of your own by blending a sweet cereal, popcorn, pretzel sticks, dried fruit and even a hand full of M&Ms or candy corn!

4. Something Dairy

A frozen Go-Gurt in the lunchbox first thing in the morning will defrost by snack time and keep other lunchbox items cold in the mean time.

Other dairy treats: Try chunks of cheese, string cheese if your little one likes them, but pudding cups made with real milk are a sure-to-be-eaten item.

TIP: Send a box of Hershey's milk at lunch time, and it will be downed in delicious minutes.

5. Something Sustainable

Keep your lunchbox sustainable and recyclable. Try lunch boxes that can be tossed in the freezer. Freeze a refillable water bottle, and that will also keep food cool through to lunchtime. If it works for you, use the same cooler-style lunch box all year long, if they can remember to bring it home.

Do you have a great lunch box idea? Share with your neighbors on Patch.com!