Cold Lunch Ideas for Kids

Now that we are back to a routine, here are some cold lunch ideas for kids that are easy to tackle!

At the beginning of the year, you decided to let the kids bring cold lunches. And now, you've set a precedent. You can't back out now. On top of the chaos of getting the other kids ready in the morning, you have now added making lunch for your school-agers. Have no fear parents! I'm working with Stonyfield® Organic Kids® to bring you an option to get ahead of this.

If your family is anything like my family, you probably don't have a lot of time in the morning. To make things a little more organized in the morning, I'm sharing a week's worth of non-sandwich lunches pre-made over the weekend that you can store and be ready to grab and go during the school week.

Recipe for the Recipe: Perfect Portioned Kids Cold Lunch

Before I start on cold lunch ideas for kids, I also wanted to share my main recipe for the perfect lunch:

• protein
• veggie or fruit
• something with a little crunch
• something sweet

My something sweet I pack for my loves are from the Stonyfield® Organic Kids® line. The options for Cups, Pouches, Smoothies and Snack Packs are an easy and healthy way to add to any lunchbox. They've got  25% to 40% less sugar than the leading kids' yogurt and are always made with ingredients grown by real organic family farmers. Free of harmful pesticides, Stonyfield® Organic Kids® is USDA Organic & Non-GMO project verified, making me feel great about giving my kids a nutritious lunch.

Even my toddler loves it!

With that in mind, here are five easy, non-sandwich school lunches that you can make ahead for the week!

Ideas for Cold Lunches for Kids

For more combinations and options, you can swap the protein, veggies, fruit, crunch and sweet from one lunch to the next!

Cold Lunch Idea for Kids #1

Protein: Tortilla Pin Wheel with Ham Slices
Veggie or Fruit: Apple Sauce
Crunch: Carrots and Bell Peppers
Sweet: Stonyfield Ogranic Kids Tubes

Cold Lunch Idea for Kids #2

Protein: Lettuce Wrap with Turkey Slices
Veggie or Fruit: Cherry Tomatoes
Crunch: No-Bake Energy Bites
Sweet: Stonyfield Organic Kids Smoothies

Cold Lunch Idea for Kids #3

Protein: Crackers, Cheese and Ham
Veggie or Fruit: Cantaloupe
Crunch: Pretzels
Sweet: Stonyfield Organic Kids Pouch

Cold Lunch Idea for Kids #4

Protein: Thermos Mac and Cheese
Veggie or Fruit: Blueberries
Crunch: Popcorn
Sweet: Stonyfield Organic Kids Pouch

Cold Lunch Idea for Kids #5

Protein: Stuffed Pita Pockets
Veggie or Fruit: Strawberries
Crunch: Apple Slices
Sweet: Stonyfield Organic Kids Tubes

These are all easy to pack and don't need to be reheated because cafeterias don't have that option. Packing bento boxes like this provides healthy, simple and delicious food ideas that will make your kids smile ear to ear during lunch.

What cold lunch ideas for kids do you have? For more "make your life easy as a parent" ideas, be sure to visit my Pinterest board and check out Stonyfield® Organic Kids® at a store near you!