Trying to get the kids ready for school on chaotic mornings often leads to lunchbox meals that are quickly thrown together and fall short nutritionally. According to a Griffith University study, more than 70% of school lunches contain no vegetables at all!

Our children deserve to have a healthy, balanced meal that will fuel their bodies throughout the day, and we can help accomplish this by spending a few extra minutes meal prepping each week. Whether you grow your own garden or get your produce from a local farmers’ market, make sure to include fresh fruits and vegetables in each meal you send to school with your kids.

Here are five fun and healthy meal and snack ideas to include in your child’s lunchbox:

Vegetable waffles

              Shredded sweet potato, carrot, zucchini, or squash can be cooked to crispy perfection in a waffle iron. Just mix your vegetables together, add a little salt and pepper, and lightly butter each side of the iron for a yummy vegetable fritter in disguise!

Fruit or sandwich kabobs

 Thread grapes, pineapple chunks, blueberries, and strawberries through a skewer for a delicious fruit kabob, or try using an assortment of tomatoes, cheese, meats, and greens for a fun twist on a deli sandwich!

Fruit yogurt parfaits

              Add a boost of flavor to your kid’s yogurt cup by mixing ½ cup of your kid’s favorite fruit and a ¼ cup of granola into 1 cup of low-fat yogurt.

Soups

              Soups are a great way to pump up the “vegetable factor” in your lunchbox, and there are plenty of insulated food containers on the market that make it easy to serve soup at school. Click here for 10 easy, vegetable soup recipes for your picky eater!

Healthy muffins

              Using whole grains, fruit, or shredded veggies in your muffins is a great way to get your kid to eat healthier without them even realizing it! Try this Blueberry Oatmeal Muffin or Fruit and Veggie Muffin recipe to include in your kid’s next meal.

One last piece of advice: if you let your kids help you in the garden, they will likely be more willing to eat what they have grown! It is never too early to get your kids involved in producing their own food; plus, it will give them a greater appreciation for where their meals come from.

Visit your local Stockdale’s for everything you need to grow your own healthy food, as well as an assortment of back-to-school items for your kiddos!