SIX Back to School Lunches that Aren’t PB&J … and that your kiddos will LOVE! (vegan, nut free, with soy and gluten free options!)
I can hardly believe that school starts again in less than 3 weeks! (I know, other areas of the country have started already….think of us when you’re out in May—we’ll still be slogging away until the bitter end of June!). This summer has been a busy one—mostly because we moved! Not far, but a move is a move and it has dominated most of our time. In between unpacking boxes and running to Home Depot we’ve been busy hiking, swimming, beaching—anything outdoors! And now, in the blink of an eye, we’ll be back at school!
Back to School Lunches
As much as I am still in full summer mode, I’ve also been busy planning ahead for the school year. This year both boys will be in school—ok, Jonny will only be in preschool, but he is every bit as excited as David! And with two kiddos in school, that means twice the packing of snacks and lunches. I’ve put together 6 back to school lunches that were a big hit with David last year! They are all nut free, vegan, almost all soy free, and could easily be made gluten free! Whether your kiddo has allergies, or one of their classmates does, these lunches should be in the clear!
Look how easy it is to pack these lunches!
Check out my fun video of lunchbox assembly—be sure to watch all the way to the end to see David’s adorable cameo! And then scroll down below for the full details of each lunch, including my favorite lunchboxes (yes, I love these Sugar Booger lunchboxes! Inexpensive, don’t leak, and easy for the boys to open on their own!), a thermos, water bottles, and more.
Hoagie Box
One of David’s favorites is a vegan cheese sandwich (thank you Follow Your Heart!). I make it “fancy” by slipping in some veggie ham (Tofurky!) and putting it in a hot dog bun instead of traditional bread. Pack it with some of my Rainbow Popcorn for extra fun.
Mac & Cheese
I love sending leftovers in a thermos! So convenient, and a favorite of David’s. My not from a box Mac & Cheese is especially popular!
Burrito Box
Leftover frijoles are perfect wrapped up in a tortilla with some avocado!
Tapas Box
David loves to get the Tapas Box when we fly on Alaska Airlines. My homemade version includes my favorite hummus, grapes and olives, and crispy pita chips!
Breakfast Box
This has got to be the easiest lunch to pack ever! A dairy free yogurt, fresh fruit, and granola! Choose soy yogurt for an added boost of protein!
Bento Box
Baked tofu is always delicious for lunch! Paired with fresh fruit and veggies, and every Seattle kid’s favorite—seaweed!
Lunchbox Rule of Thumb: protein + carb + fruit or veggie = yummy lunch!
Wishing you the very best start to your school year this year! As always, if you use any of my ideas I’d love to see pictures! Snap a pic and post it to social media, and be sure to tag me! {#frieddandelions // @frieddandelions}
Don’t forget to pin this post!
Thanks for these ideas! I’m packing THREE lunch boxes this year. My girls took my Butternut Mac on the first day of Kindy – they requested it! 🙂
Oh, that’s awesome! David loves bringing a thermos with hot food!
I wouldn’t mind eating these lunches myself! I love the containers and lunch bag, too!
Back to school! Back to school! 🙂 Thanks for these great ideas, Sarah!
You know how to make lunchtime fun! This post (and especially that video) is filled with cuteness.