Lunch and Snack Ideas for School
Everyone has a role when it comes to packing school lunches and snacks. Parents and caregivers decide what to pack and the kids decide what and how much they will eat of it. The school decides when and where the students will eat.
Use Canada’s Food Guide to build a healthy lunch
When planning your child’s school lunch, try to include a variety of foods. Include vegetables and fruits, whole grain and protein foods. Use the Eat Well Plate to help plan healthy lunches.
- Vegetables and fruits
Include plenty of vegetables and fruits in your child’s meals and snacks. Fresh, frozen or canned vegetables and fruits can all be healthy options. - Whole grain foods
Include a variety of whole grain foods. Read the ingredient list and choose foods that have the words ‘whole grain’. - Protein foods
There are many different types of protein foods to choose from. Choose protein foods that come from plants more often.
Plan snacks using Canada’s Food Guide
Snacks are important for children. Snacks keep children energized, provide nutrients, and help to satisfy hunger between meals. For a recess snack, include a vegetable or fruit along with a whole grain or protein food.
Other tips to help plan healthy school lunches and snacks
- Plan ahead to help you save time and keep organized.
- Get your child involved in planning and packing their lunch and snacks.
- Use leftovers for quick lunches.
- Use an insulated lunch bag and an ice pack to keep cold foods cold.
- Use a thermos to keep hot foods hot (e.g., soup, chili, leftovers).
- Don’t forget a reusable water bottle.
- Be aware of allergies at school.
For more back-to-school meal planning tips when planning school lunches and snacks, check out our StoryLine story and video, Back to School- Planning Meals for Your Children.
Services related to this information:
- Contact your Public Health Nurse:
- 811 HealthLine/Dial-a-Dietitian (Newfoundland & Labrador) – Call 811 or 1-888-709-2929 / TTY 1-888-709-3555