The following tips can help you pack a healthy lunch they'll eat.

  1. Let kids help pack their own lunches.
  2. Make it easy: Use foods that are cut, peeled, and ready to eat.
  3. Make it fun: Use cookie cutters on sandwiches.
  4. Remember the basics: low-fat protein, whole grains, fruits and veggies.
  5. Substitute fresh fruit for gummy fruit snacks or fruit roll-ups.
  6. Instead of desert, surprise them with a note, a cool new pencil, or a sticker.
  7. Hummus is a fun, healthy dip with carrots, celery or crackers.
  8. Try string cheese; it's kid-friendly, full of protein, and lower in fat than most cheeses.
  9. Say "No" to sugary drinks and "Yes" to water or real fruit juice.
  10. Keep perishables cool by packing a frozen water bottle or carton of juice.