By: Lindsey Loving   Date: 8/3/11

In just a couple of weeks, summer will come to an end and kids around the country will head back to school (Where did the time go?). This time of year always conjures up memories of back-to-school shopping. One of my favorite memories was getting a shiny new lunchbox and going lunch shopping with my mom.

I have to say, lunchbox food has come a long way since I was a kid. You may remember the days of tuna sandwiches, chips, and juice drink boxes for lunch. Every day. There wasn’t much variety to speak of! Fruit would go uneaten because there wasn’t enough time to eat it, or sliced fruit would be brown by the time lunch rolled around. Sandwich bread was soggy after a morning without refrigeration. There were no low-fat, low-calorie, or whole wheat alternatives for typical lunchbox fare; plus, “healthy” options just didn’t taste good. And I don’t know about you, but I often ended up running low on energy before the school day ended.

When I look at lunchbox options today, I am astounded at the variety of good-tasting, convenient, and healthful options that are available:

• Meal kits with sealed compartments keep food fresh and not soggy. Options with tuna or turkey and low-fat cheese provide a good source of protein, important for energy.
• Low-fat yogurt with granola in the lid needs only be mixed and enjoyed.
• Bagged apple slices drizzled with lemon juice stay fresh, and come with tasty yogurt dipping sauce.
• Light canned peaches fit easily in a lunchbox.
• Low-fat granola bars with dried fruit and dark chocolate provide energy on the go.
• Whole wheat crackers with sundried tomatoes provide good taste and staying power.

Healthful alternatives for kids with food allergies and gluten intolerance are plentiful as well.

Practically every need can be met these days when it comes to lunchbox fare. With so much focus on food these days, you may be worried about what other parents will think if you if you pack food from a bag, box or can in your child’s lunch. But these foods provide variety and convenience, and many also offer important nutrients (read the food label to learn more). And if kids are anything like they were when I was younger, they just want something that tastes good, isn’t soggy, and gives them energy to get through the day. How you do that is up to you, but it makes me feel good (and a little jealous) to know that we now have choices for lunchboxes that won’t end up getting left for the lunch lady.

Do you have a favorite lunchbox food?

For more tips and ideas for lunchboxes, view the IFIC Foundation’s Farm to Fork Resources: www.foodinsight.org/farmtofork.aspx