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Lunchbox ideas and food to fuel learning

Food is essential to learning! Without healthy food, brains can't fire as effectively and your child's mood and ability to concentrate may drop. That's why we've rounded up some delicious meal ideas for before, during, and after school.

 

Plan ahead

Planning is essential to reduce food waste - and last-minute trips to the tuckshop!

  • Write out a lunchbox plan when you make a meal plan. Maybe Sunday's roast chicken can become Monday's sandwiches, for example.
  • Ask your kids. If there's anything they just won't eat, or if some lunchbox staples like peanut butter are banned from their playground, it's best not to pack it in the first place. Get them involved in planning their lunchbox - then they're more likely to eat what's in them!
  • Make sure you have enough lunchboxes, drink bottles, plastic wrap and so on. Stock up the pantry with muesli bars and other snacks for lunchbox emergencies!
  • Write a shopping list. There's nothing worse than forgetting something essential.
Breakfast ideas

Skipping breakfast is a bad habit to get in to - fueling up for the day makes it easier for kids to study and learn. As well as the usual toast or cereal, try these breakfast ideas.

Berry and Banana Smoothie

No time for breakfast in the morning? Whizz up a fruit and yoghurt smoothie! The burst of protein-rich dairy and the goodness of fruit will keep you going until lunchtime

Peach and Almond Bircher Muesli

For easier mornings, make breakfast the night before! This smooth muesli is served chilled, perfect for hot mornings. It's packed with dairy, fruit and nuts for a great start to the day.
Lunchbox ideas

Packing a lunchbox can be a chore, so try these healthy lunchbox alternatives to sandwiches!

These ideas can be the "star" of the lunchbox, but need a little something extra to make a meal. Pop in a couple of pieces of fruit, or a serving of veggies like yummy carrot sticks or slices of cucumber with hummus or plain yoghurt for dipping. Round things out with cheese and crackers, or a piece of home baking.

Southern Style Frittata

Frittata travels well, and tastes great cold - perfect for lunchboxes! Make it with your favourite veggies, or even leftover chicken. Slice into small pieces and you don't even need to pack a fork.

Vegetarian Sushi

Sushi is delicious and healthy too! This kid-friendly version includes avocado, cream cheese, and carrots. You could also add chicken or tinned tuna or salmon.

Persian Couscous Salad

Couscous is a tasty alternative to sandwiches - and it's just as easy to make. Customise this recipe with your kids' favourite nuts and dried fruit, or stir through a small can of tuna. Don't forget to pack a fork!

Spaghetti and Egg Pies

Spaghetti, eggs and cheese, yum! There's a reason that pies have been a favourite for generations of kids. This version uses an egg instead of a pastry lid for a healthier, protein-rich option.
After school snacks

Kids tend to come home from school ravenous! Tempt them with a piece of fruit and a glass of milk - and if that's not cutting it, offer one of these options to hold them between homework time and dinner time.

Economical Cupcakes

These cupcakes are economical enough to serve regularly - and are easy enough for the kids to make! Try dropping in a spoonful of jam before baking for an even sweeter treat.

Pineapple and Coconut Muffins

Pineapple and coconut make a tropical sweet treat! These also freeze well, so make up a large batch, and defrost a few at a time for a treat whenever you need one.

Blueberry and Bran Muffins

Bran flakes and blueberries make this a healthier snack! And they still taste delicious.
Still looking for inspiration? Browse the rest of our recipes here.