As the back-to-school whirlwind sweeps us up, it's time to tackle the lunchbox challenge with gusto. We all know that crafting the perfect lunch for our little ones can be a daily challenge, so why not make it nutritious and stress-free? Get ready for some quick and easy back-to-school lunch ideas that'll make your life a little easier and keep the kids happily fueled so they can make it through the busy days.

Say goodbye to lunchbox woes and hello to some seriously awesome lunchtime wins.

Idea 1: DIY Sandwich Station

Imagine the morning rush becoming a breeze as your kids excitedly assemble their sandwiches. A DIY sandwich station isn't just a time-saver; it's a creative way to empower your little ones to make lunch choices.

Prep a variety of bread, spreads, proteins like turkey, ham, and cheese, and a colourful array of veggies and condiments the entire family can use throughout the week. Lay everything on the counter, and watch your kids proudly craft their personalized masterpieces. This encourages independence and ensures they get a balanced meal while having fun. Plus, it's an excellent opportunity to introduce new ingredients and flavours they might not have tried otherwise.

Directions:

• Bread Variety: Offer whole wheat, multigrain, and even wraps for options.
• Protein: Set out turkey slices, ham, cheese, and vegetarian options like hummus or tofu.
• Veggies: Provide an assortment of lettuce, spinach, tomato, cucumber, bell peppers, and shredded carrots.
• Sauce Central: Lay out mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, and even pesto or flavoured spreads.
• Extras: Include pickles, olives, avocado slices, etc. Let them get creative.
• Wrap it Up: You might have to help them roll up their creations or slice them into halves or fun shapes.

Our Favourite Combinations:

• Mini Wraps: Use tortillas for smaller hands, and kids can roll up their favourite fillings.
• Nut Butter & Banana Bliss: Keep it simple with nut butter, banana slices, and a drizzle of honey.
• Build-a-Burger: Put some extra ground meat aside and make mini sliders when making burgers for burger night.
• Sweet and Savory Combos: Try turkey, cranberry sauce, ham, and pineapple for the ultimate combinations.
  
  

Idea 2: Bento Box

Bento boxes have been going viral for good reason- they are a game-changer during lunchtime! They offer the ultimate customizable solution for busy moms looking to cater to their kids' unique tastes. These boxes empower you to craft a lunch tailored to your child's preferences, ensuring they get the nutrients they need while enjoying their food.

Not only does it cater to individual tastes, but it's also a budget-friendly alternative to buying expensive pre-packaged snack boxes or Lunchables. By buying food in bulk, not only can you make it more nutritious, but it also comes out to be cheaper.

Need some ideas to help get you started? Check out some of our favourites HERE.

Idea 3: Leftover Makeovers

Have some leftover chicken from last night’s dinner that you want to transform? Try out Quesadillas. They’re easy to throw together in the morning and simple to customize.

Place some sliced chicken breast on half a large flour tortilla, top with Co-op GOLD Tex-Mex Shredded Cheese, fold in half, place on a cookie sheet and bake at 350 °F (177 °C). Serve with your favourite Co-op GOLD Chunky Salsa. Optional add-ins include Co-op GOLD Refried Beans and Co-op GOLD Hot Pepper Rings.

See other ways to transform your chicken HERE.

Have some leftover pasta noodles from the night before? You can easily throw together a pasta salad your kids will love.
There are many options for pasta salads to mix vegetables and proteins. If you need inspiration to find a combination your little one will love, try this Plant-Based Recipe HERE.

And there you have it! As the back-to-school whirlwind picks up, you can rely on these three lunch ideas to get you through! From the DIY Sandwich Station that transforms the morning rush into a creative and empowering meal-making experience to the Bento Box Bonanza that caters to the pickiest eaters and your wallet, and the leftover makeovers that will turn the remnants of last night's dinner into something exciting, these ideas have got you covered. No more battles over packed lunches and no need for pricey pre-packaged snack boxes either – you're the lunchtime hero now!