Bento Box Lunch Ideas

by DANA SHORTT

It’s that time of the year again – back to school. This means making a plan for school lunches!

Using a “bento box” approach for my sons lunches has helped me tremendously. A variety of small, portioned items helps tempt their appetite and they can graze their way through the day. As to food prep, it’s a visual reminder for me to pack a balanced meal: I mentally label each compartment (protein, carb, fruit & veggies), so all I have to do is fill in the blanks with what I have on hand. The point here is to keep things simple, fresh, and colourful (bonus – bento boxes can be made the night before).

HERE ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF WHAT TO FILL THE COMPARTMENTS WITH

PROTEIN SECTION

• cubes of cheese

• mini meatballs

• deli meat roll-ups (i.e. turkey slice wrapped around a dill pickle)

• hummus or bean dip

• hardboiled eggs

• Greek yogurt

• scrambled egg wrapped in a slice of ham

• cubed chicken with bbq sauce for dipping

• ham and cheese toothpick “kebabs”

• bacon (serve with waffle sticks)

• tuna or egg salad

CARB SECTION

• pasta salad

• quarter or half a bagel

• tortilla chips or vegetable chips

• crackers or pretzels

• waffle sticks

• veggie sushi

• mini pitas or buns

• popcorn

• half cob of corn

• nut free trail mix (dried fruit, seeds, cereal)

• low sugar, nut free granola bars

• mini muffins

FRUIT AND VEGETABLE SECTIONS

I like to pack as much as they will eat! I try to use a wide variety of fruits and veggies every week so that they don’t get bored.

If you’d like to try making a bento box lunch, pick one up at Fenigo or use paper or silicone muffin cups in regular Tupperware containers to create separate compartments.