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Back to School

Ring in the school year with simple, kid-friendly breakfasts, lunches and dinners

Better Lunchboxes | 10 easy, fun ideas for kid-approved lunches

Ham Club Sandwich Sliders

These sweet sliders on mini potato buns are easy to get little fingers around. Each sandwich is loaded with flavor (thanks to barbecue sauce) and protein.

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Ham Club Sandwich Sliders

Sushi Rolls for All Ages

Give your child's lunch an Asian flair. This healthy veggie sushi is filled with carrots, avocados and scallions. Protein-packed edamame is the perfect side dish.

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Sushi Rolls for All Ages

Veggie-Stack Pita Pockets

Beans are packed with lean protein and make a versatile spread for all kinds of sandwiches. Mix and match with the vegetables your child enjoys.

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Veggie-Stack Pita Pockets

Chicken Salad Rolls

Make this chicken salad the night before to let the flavors meld — in the morning, all you have to do is assemble.

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Chicken Salad Rolls

Take-To-School Taco Bar

If your kids love taco night, surprise them with a do-it-yourself taco bar that fits neatly into their lunch box, complete with quick, healthy versions of guacamole and salsa.

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Take-To-School Taco Bar

Ten-Minute Tomato Soup

This soup really does only take 10 minutes — and that's including cleanup! Send it with a cheese sandwich for the perfect any-season meal.

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Ten-Minute Tomato Soup

Tortelloni Kebobs

Putting anything on a skewer makes it more fun to eat! Your kids will love the combination of tortellini, tomatoes, mozzarella and olives. Add a container of pre-made marinara or pesto sauce to their lunchbox for dipping.

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Tortelloni Kebobs

Panko Chicken Nuggets and Chocolate Chip Cookies

Few foods are more kid-friendly than nuggets, and these are tender and crispy thanks to buttermilk and panko breading. Don't forget to add in guilt-free chocolate chip cookies make with whole wheat flour and dried fruit.

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Panko Chicken Nuggets and Chocolate Chip Cookies

Vegetable Noodle Soup, Brown Rice Crispy Treats and Fruit Salad

This hearty lunch is perfect for a rainy day. The crispy treats are made with healthy brown rice crisps, and the vegetable soup and fruit salad pack a delicious punch of fruit and veggies into your child's lunchbox.

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Vegetable Noodle Soup, Brown Rice Crispy Treats and Fruit Salad

Chicken Summer Rolls and Mom's Best Friend Brownies

These gluten-free, crunchy, Vietnamese-style Chicken Summer Rolls are healthy and light, and the addition of rice makes them filling. The kid-sized brownies are lower in fat and sugar than most.

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Chicken Summer Rolls and Mom's Best Friend Brownies

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More Back-to-School Bites | Fast and easy ways to keep your family fueled all day

Healthy Breakfasts Healthy Breakfasts

Morning meals your kids won't want to skip.

After-School Snacks After-School Snacks

Small bites to curb your child's afternoon hunger.

Easy Lunches Easy Lunches

Keep your kids' energy up with these delicious lunch recipes.

Weeknight Dinners Weeknight Dinners

These simple recipes are sure to be family favorites.

Creating Healthy Eating Habits with Children | Tips from Shirley Fan, RD

Parents play a major role in the development of a child's eating habits and tastes. Our in-house nutritionist, Shirley Fan, RD, put together this list of proven tips to promote healthy eating habits for children:

1.

Set a good example

Food attitudes of parents are the strongest predictors of food likes and dislikes for children.

2.

Create a regular meal schedule

Kids will snack less when there are set meals.

3.

Have sit-down meals together

Designate family dinner nights to encourage connectedness and conversation. Studies also show that family meals promote healthy eating habits and higher consumption of vitamins and minerals.

4.

Do not force or bribe children to finish their plates

Stressful situations over food can make kids develop negative feelings around eating.

5.

Provide nutritious food

Keep fresh fruits and vegetables, low-fat milk and whole grain crackers around for snacks.

6.

Encourage exercise

Children should get around 60 minutes of exercise most days of the week. It helps strengthen muscles and bones and can help ward off weight problems.

More ways to create healthy habits


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Back to School Recipes and Tips

Get Breakfast on the Table — Fast

If you're always behind schedule in the morning, try these time-saving techniques to make breakfast easier:

1. Plan breakfast the night before by measuring out cereals or ingredients.

2. Don't be a short-order cook — encourage everyone to eat the same thing.

3. Make multigrain muffins or maple granola on the weekend and freeze extras for weekday mornings.

4. Always keep fruit on hand for a fast source of vitamins, energy and fiber on hectic school days.

5. Involve your kids in the process of planning breakfasts — you'll save time and ensure they'll like the results.

Lunchbox Tips

Chicken Summer Rolls

Create these delicious, portable rolls in seven simple steps

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Lunchbox Essentials

Learn strategies for packing a safe, fun and eco-friendly meal to go

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