It’s back to school time, and for many parents the question of what to send for lunch, especially if you have a child with a food allergy or sensitivity, is looming. We all want our children to eat a healthy, nutrient-packed lunch that will provide tons of energy to fuel their brain and body so that they can make it through a busy day at school, but if you have a child with special dietary needs, keeping lunch interesting can be an even greater challenge than usual. And there is also the consideration of palatability – will they like, and eat, what we send?
     In the interest of striking a balance between satisfying the parent’s desire for a nutritive lunch and the kiddo’s desire for a yummy bite, and keeping it free of any unwanted ingredients, I’ve put together a few ideas for you in hopes that at least a bit of the stress associated with back to school is abated.
     Here are 5 days of nutritious lunch box ideas to get you going. I have created these lunches for those on a gluten-free (GF) diet, and have not made considerations for other allergens or food sensitivities, so make sure you customize these ideas for your particular child and his or her specific dietary needs and allergies. Be sure to always read all food labels to make sure there is no gluten (or any other products that your child is allergic to) included in the ingredients. Of course, I suggest organic, natural foods that are minimally processed; and remember to clean all produce items well before preparing or consuming. 

Lunch 1 – Fruity Yo To Go
Kids can dip the fruit in the yogurt, then in the granola for a sweet, creamy, and crunchy bite!

Fruit, such as strawberries, banana, or mango
GF Yogurt cup (vanilla, fruit flavored, or plain)
GF Granola (make your own or try one of the GF varieties available in supermarkets)
Carrot sticks (I like to blanch a large batch of these and refrigerate until needed; they seem to be more palatable to some kids when blanched)

Lunch 2 – Deli-icious!
No bread needed for these “sandwich style” roll-ups!
For each deli roll:
1 slice of turkey, ham, or roast beef
1 slice Cheese, such as provolone, mozzarella, or mild cheddar
1 pickle spear
Place the cheese slice on top of the meat slice, lay the pickle spear in the center, and roll up. Secure with a toothpick.

GF Crackers
Orange wedges
2 GF sandwich cream cookies

Lunch 3 – Noodlin’ Around
Most kids love noodles, and rice noodles are excellent with a bit of grated Parmesan!
 
GF Rice noodles with a drizzle of olive oil, grated Parmesan, and herbs
Diced baked chicken
Steamed broccoli or cauliflower
Frozen grapes (if you haven’t tried this, you’re missing out!)

Lunch 4 – Souper Kid Lunch
When the temperature begins to drop and a warm lunch is in order, this one hits the spot – finely chop leftover steamed veggies and toss into gluten-free broth of your choice for a simple homemade soup! You can even add some rice pasta to the mix for a heartier dish.

GF veggie soup (in thermos cup)
String cheese
GF cheddar crackers
GF Pudding of gelatin cup 

Lunch 5 – Egg-celent!
Most kids like hard boiled eggs, but if yours doesn’t like the yolk, just send extra boiled egg whites – kids still get the protein punch they need to make it through the day!

1 or 2 Hard boiled egg(s)
GF Baked veggie crisps
GF muffin, such as peanut butter and jelly flavor or blueberry
Celery stalks filled with cream cheese sweetened with honey and sprinkled with cinnamon

 
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