Get Kids Packing! (Lunches, That Is)

Teaching kids how to pack their own lunches can be a fun back-to- school activity. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has some great suggestions: 

• Keep it interesting. Pack a small quantity of several foods in a bento-type lunch box (with multiple compartments) to keep things fun. Have your child help cut sandwiches with cookie cutters into different shapes. Add colorful fruits and vegetables in different sizes and pack yummy dips such as fat-free or low- fat yogurt or hummus.

• Encourage dipping. Cut a baked chicken breast into strips, and pack the strips with honey mustard for dipping. Include carrots and broccoli to dip in fat-free or reduced-fat ranch dressing. Dip apple slices in nut butter.

• Mix up the sides.  Go beyond pretzels! Pack snap peas, sliced bell peppers or cucumbers for color and crunch. Add some variety with air-popped, low-fat popcorn.