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What to Pack for Lunch for Preschool

Preschoolers are a unique bunch. Though they aren’t growing as fast as they were in infancy, they still need plenty of growth-supporting nutrients. Parents can support their preschoolers’ health by providing nutritious meal options. One option is to pack their preschooler’s lunchbox with lowfat and nutrient-rich food.

  1. Protein and Carbohydrates

    • Pack at least one serving of protein in your child’s lunchbox, suggests the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, an organization run by the Clinton Foundation and the American Heart Association. Protein supports your preschooler’s growth. Healthy protein sources include hummus, yogurt, almond butter, lowfat lunchmeats, cheese, cottage cheese, chicken salad and veggie burgers. Three ounces of meat, 2 tablespoons of peanut butter and 1 cup of beans is considered one serving. Pair protein sources with whole-grain carbohydrate sources such as wraps, crackers, pretzels, tortillas and whole-grain bread.

    Fruits and Vegetables

    • The Alliance for a Healthier Generation also suggests that children receive at least one serving of fruit and one serving of vegetables during lunch. One fruit serving consists of 1 medium-sized whole fruit and ½ cup of fresh or dried fruit. One cup of salad and ½ cup of cooked vegetables -- like broccoli and corn -- also consist of one serving. Fruits and vegetables provide an excellent vehicle for introducing fiber, antioxidants and vitamins into a preschooler’s diet. Fruit and vegetable suggestions include grapes, apples, canned fruit salad, cucumbers and melons. Cut fruits and vegetables into pieces small enough for a preschooler to hold.

    Drinks

    • One serving (½ cup) of 100 percent fruit juice makes an excellent option for preschoolers. If you choose to include this in your child’s bag, however, avoid additional juice servings at home. The Nemours Foundation suggests only one juice serving per day. Almond milk, lowfat milk and water also make excellent beverages for lunchboxes. To keep drinks cool until lunchtime, place frozen drinks in the lunchbox. They’ll be drinkable by lunchtime.

    Snacks

    • Healthy snacks can round out a well-rounded preschool lunch. Lowfat granola bars can provide an excellent source of fiber and whole grains. Healthy choices also include baked apple and veggie chips. Trail mix containing a variety of nuts and dried fruits provides a sweet and nutritious snack as well. Before including products that may have peanut residue, ask the preschool teacher if anyone has food allergies.

    Other Essentials

    • Freezer packs can keep your child’s lunch cool until lunchtime. Consider placing napkins, utensils and antibacterial wipes with your child’s lunch as well. To add a pick-me-up to your preschooler’s school day, place pictures or notes with a happy face in your preschooler’s lunch.

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