<

7 Make-Ahead School Lunch Ideas

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #MilkMadeEasy #CollectiveBias

different lunch ideas for kids or adults

This past summer just flew by. Every week was so full of fun and adventure with the kids. And now they are already back in school already. They started last Thursday and they were so excited to get back to school and meat new teachers, new friends and catch up with old buddies. 

This is the first full week of school so yesterday I tried to do some pre-planning to make the school week more smooth. I decided to make-ahead all the lunches for the week yesterday. This we’ll have more time in the week for other things like homework or just playing after school in the backyard!

If I wait till the last minute to make lunches, the kids will inevitably be getting peanut butter sandwiches or peanut butter and jelly if they’re lucky. But with a little pre-planning on my part, I can get a bit more creative.

So this week I’ve made 7 different school lunches for everyone to choose from!

chicken nuggets and fruit or cheese quesadillas and fruit lunch

1. Chicken Nugget, Bell Pepper Slices, Blueberries and Cantaloupe

Here I have chicken nuggets from frozen that I’ve cooked and cooled. I then package them with fruit and some bell pepper strips.  You could also use prepared chicken strips or leftover fried chicken. Add leftover fast food dips if you’re kids like it too! Kids love fried chicken!

2. Cheese Quesadillas, Grapes and Strawberries

In the second container above I have cheese quesadillas I’ve cooked and cooled and packaged with fresh fruit. I love quesadillas because you can make them with just cheese, cheese and beans, or whatever you have on hand!

peanut butter triangles or chicken tortilla roll up lunch

3. Peanut Butter & Honey  Sandwich Triangles, Broccoli and Orange Slices

Next I have peanut butter & honey sandwiches. You can use any type of nut butter, or a no nut butter if that’s what your kid needs! These are fast, easy and delicious when paired with fresh fruit.

4. Meat and Cheese Tortilla Roll Ups with Grape Tomatoes, Red Bell Peppers and Trail Mix

In the bottom container I have meat and cheese roll-ups made with tortillas. All kids love these. You can make them with cream cheese, dip or salad dressing. Pair them veggies and trail mix for a filling lunch.

chicken wrap, pita pocket or fresh sandwich lunch

5. Turkey & Cheese Wraps with Carrot Sticks

Next I have a simple wrap made with deli meat, lettuce and tomato. I like to add leftover fast food sauce or mayonnaise packs with the lunch. I pair this with crunchy carrots for a better-for-you lunch. You can make wraps with just about anything from leftover meats to leftover salads. They are super versatile!

6. Chicken Breast Pita Pockets with Celery Sticks

Next I have a pita pocket made with deli meat, lettuce and tomato. Pita pockets are great for kids because you can fill them with whatever you like and they’re easy to hold! Pair a pita pocket with something crunchy too like celery sticks.

7 fun lunch ideas with Hershey chocolate milk

7. Roast Chicken, Lettuce and Tomato Sandwich

And for a quick and easy lunch, just make a fresh sandwich with lettuce, tomato and leftover roast chicken or deli meat. This is always a crowd pleaser! I like to also add a leftover fast food sauce or mayonnaise pack to these sandwiches too, that way the bread doesn’t get soggy.

Remember with all these make ahead meals to not add any sauce or condiments so nothing gets soggy. Leftover fast-food packets are great to save. You can also buy those sauce, mayonnaise or mustard packets online too!

box of Hershey chocolate milk and lunch ideas

I also love to include Hershey’s® 2% Chocolate Shelf Stable Milk with school lunches. It’s delicious and easy for kids! And it’s so convenient for me. I can stock up my pantry with it, and have it ready to go for school lunches by refrigerating it the night before.

hershey chocolate kids milk out of box

Hershey’s® 2% Chocolate Shelf Stable Milk also makes a delicious after-school treat too! My kids love to have it with fresh fruit as a snack after school. It’s a great way to recharge!

Did you know that Hershey’s® 2% Chocolate Shelf Stable Milk lasts for 13 months too? There’s no worry about it expiring like fresh milk. You can store it at room temperature in your pantry! It’s Grade A 2% reduced fat rBST free milk.

individual hershey chocolate kids milk for lunch

When you’re ready to use it, just refrigerate the night before then it’s ready for school lunches, snacks and after school treats too! It’s also fun to take to athletic field events for the kids too!

Hershey’s® 2% Chocolate Shelf Stable Milk is made with real Hershey’s cocoa. It’s extremely convenient and is ready to drink after refrigerated. It also has an easy to recluse cap instead of a straw.

You can find Hershey’s® 2% Chocolate Shelf Stable Milk (12 pack) at Publix in the coffee and tea aisle.

hershey chocolate shelf milk

Save on Hershey’s® 2% Chocolate Shelf Stable Milk (12 pack)

Save on Hershey’s® 2% Chocolate Shelf Stable Milk (12 pack) too! See this link on a load to card offer to save! Offer 08/11/19 – 09/07/19. You must be logged in with your Publix ID to view this Hershey’s® load to card special offer.

Our Apologizes

There is no recipe attached to this article, but be sure to explore my more than 1000 recipes below!

Share the Love

facebook logo twitter logo Pinterest Logomail icon

Featured In

Media Banner

Instagram

Insta Banner

get free weekly recipes via email:

subscribe

Top